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DEKALB, Ill. - The 12th ranked Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team continued its in-state dominance Saturday night, winning its eighth straight State of Illinois Classic with a 196.275, beating out host Northern Illinois (194.350), Illinois State (193.525) and UIC (192.750).

Two different Illini gymnasts claimed individual titles Saturday night, as Sunny Kato finished first on bars (9.900) and beam (9.900), while Mary Jane Horth finished first on floor (9.825) and the all-around (39.350).

"Tonight was great experience for our team," head coach Kim Landrus said. "We did not perform up to our standards on floor but the girls were able to move on and focus on the task at hand. I felt that from that point on we built on each other's performances and ended the meet strong. Now it's time to get back to work and zero in on all the little things, as they will have a major impact down the stretch.

The Illini started on floor and posted a 48.825, placing them in second behind NIU (48.975) after the first rotation. Mary Jane Horth led the Illini with a first-place 9.825 and Kelsi Eberly followed with a 9.800 that tied for second. Erin Buchanan and Heather Foley added 9.750's, while Jordan Naleway (9.700) was the last Illini to score in the event.

The Illini next competed on vault and totaled a 49.075 to take a slight lead over NIU (97.900-97.825). Giana O'Connor led with a 9.850, which took third, while Buchanan and Horth added 9.825's. Rounding out the Illini who scored in the event include Sarah Lyons, who achieved her season-high (9.800), and Heather Foley (9.775).

The Illini extended their lead with a 49.200 on bars in the third rotation. Sunny Kato led the Orange and Blue with a 9.900. O'Connor followed with a 9.875 that took second. Naleway, who achieved her season-high, and Horth added 9.825's. Lastly, Buchanan (9.775) also contributed towards the team total.

Illinois secured the victory with a 49.175 on beam, their third-best beam performance of the season. The Illini took the top two spots in the event, led by Kato's 9.900. O'Connor and Horth were not far behind with 9.875's. The Illini were strong from top to bottom on beam as Buchanan posted a 9.775, while Foley and Naleway posted 9.750's.

Up next, the Illini head to Lincoln, Nebraska for the Big Five Meet on March 14. The Illini will take on Maryland, Michigan State, Nebraska and Ohio State.