University of Illinois
Big Five Meet
Buchanan Garners Two Titles at Big Five Meet
March 12, 2016 | Women's Gymnastics
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the evening session of the 2016 Big Ten Championships, placing fourth at the Big Five Meet, Saturday afternoon, inside St. Johns Arena. The Illini finished just .150 behind Ohio State, as the Buckeyes garnered the last spot in the evening session. Nebraska placed first with a 197.000, followed by Michigan State (196.350), Ohio State (196.100), Illinois (195.950) and Maryland (195.500).
Erin Buchanan turned in several fantastic performances on the night, taking home two event titles. Buchanan claimed the vault crown with a 9.900 and shared the floor title with a 9.925. Fellow all-arounder Giana O'Connor suffered an injury in the third rotation on floor and did not compete on vault or bars today.
The Illini began the meet on beam where they totaled a 49.200. Sunny Kato led with a 9.900 that placed third. Kato has now scored a 9.900 or higher on beam in five consecutive meets. Bridget Hodan followed with a 9.875 that tied her career high and placed fifth. O'Connor and Haylee Roe totaled a 9.825, as Roe tied her career-best beam total. Buchanan added a 9.775 to round out the team total.
Following a bye, the Illini produced a 49.250 on floor. Erin Buchanan led the squad with a 9.925 that placed first. Buchanan tied her career-high on the event. LeDuc followed with a 9.875 that tied her career high. Roe tied her career-best with a 9.825, while O'Connor added a 9.825. Illinois counted a 9.800 from Bridget Hodan who also tied her career high on the event.
On vault in the fourth rotation, the Orange and Blue produced a 48.925. Buchanan led with a 9.900 that placed first and tied her season-best on the event. LeDuc produced a 9.800 that finished in fifth, while Foley (9.750), Roe (9.750) and Sarah Lyons (9.725) also counted scores.
Ending the meet on bars, Illinois totaled a 48.575. Kato totaled a 9.825 to lead the Illini. Lyons followed with a 9.750 and LeDuc produced a 9.700. Illinois also counted scored from Buchanan (9.650) and Jordyn Givens (9.50).
The Illini will compete in Session 1 of the Big Ten Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska on March 18. The meet is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CT.
