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LINCOLN, Neb. - The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team secured a spot in the evening session of the Big Ten Championships with a first-place finish at the inaugural Big Five Meet in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Orange and Blue posted a 196.050, securing victories over Nebraska (196.00), Michigan State (195.250), Ohio State (195.250) and Maryland (194.875). The Illini (14-3, 8-1) qualified for the evening session at the conference championships for the second consecutive season, a feat they have accomplished twice in program history.

Giana O'Connor earned her 16th event title of the season, finishing first on bars with a 9.900. Mary Jane Horth finished tied for second in the all-around with a 39.350. Erin Buchanan secured the next highest finish by an Illini on the day, finishing second on bars with a 9.875.

"Championship season is always an exciting time," head coach Kim Landrus said. "The team came out and started strong on vault. I think the strong start allowed us to carry the momentum all the way through. The girls never got rattled if a mistake, small or large, was made. They stayed focused and executed excellent routines. We'll carry what we did today into practice next week and focus on all the little details. I really like the drive and determination that I am seeing from the team right now. I know that they will put in the work this week and prepare for what is going to be a great show next weekend."

The Illini began the meet on vault where they totaled a 49.000. Mary Jane Horth led with a 9.850, tying her career high. Erin Buchanan followed with a 9.825. The Illini were consistent throughout their lineup as Jordyn Givens, Sarah Lyons and Giana O'Connor all posted 9.775's.

In the second rotation, the Illini posted a 49.325 on bars, tying their second highest total on the season and the sixth highest in program history. O'Connor led the squad with a first-place 9.900 and Buchanan followed with a career-best 9.875 that took second. Rounding out the Illini who scored in the event were Horth (9.850), Kato (9.850) and Lyons (9.850) who tied for fourth.

Despite an early fall, the Illini remained strong on beam in the third rotation, totaling a 49.100. O'Connor led with a 9.875. Horth and Kato added 9.850's, while Foley (9.775) and Naleway (9.750) also scored in the event.

The Illini secured the Big Five Meet title with a 48.625 on floor. Horth led with a 9.800, which tied for third, and Buchanan followed with a 9.750. Foley (9.725), Naleway (9.675) and O'Connor (9.675) rounded out the Illini who scored in the event.

Up next, the Fighting Illini will compete in the evening session at the Big Ten Championships. Hosted by Michigan, the evening session will commence at 3:20 pm CT in Ann Arbor, Michigan.