TOLEDO, Ohio – With another season-best beam rotation this year, the Illini women's gymnastics team placed third with a 195.525 in a competitive evening session at the Big Five Meet hosted by Elevate the Stage in Toledo, Ohio. For the third consecutive season, Illinois earned a spot in the evening session of the Big Ten Championships in March.
"We are extremely happy to earn a spot in the evening session for Big Tens," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "We have more in our tank and the girls are hungry and humble, which is a great combination for future success."
No. 8 Michigan and No. 14 Minnesota took the top two-spots with a 197.750 and 196.700, respectively. Illinois finished ahead of Rutgers (194.650) and Ohio State (194.600), who finished fourth and fifth.
"Overall, I am pleased with how the team dealt with adversity this week - losing Haylee Roe and overcoming lineup changes again," noted Walsh. "The team did a phenomenal job of fighting through every single event and being committed to every routine," noted Walsh. "They took a step forward in improvements, but we still have things we can work on."
Illinois conquered the beam in the first rotation, resetting a season-high total with a 49.075. After becoming a viral sensation overnight, sophomore Rachel Borden fought through nerves, leading off the Orange and Blue with a 9.625. Sophomore Kylie Noonan (9.800) and junior Karen Howell (9.850) both recorded season-highs, while redshirt senior Mary Jane Otto earned an impressive 9.850. Sophomore Nicole Biondi anchored the lineup with a solid 9.800.
After the first rotation, the Illini were within striking distance of Big Ten powerhouse, Michigan. Following the bye, the stage was set for the Orange and Blue on floor. Biondi and sophomore Tessa Phillips both started off strong for the Illini with a 9.725 and 9.775, respectively. Freshman Shaylah Scott earned a 9.800, while Noonan concluded the rotation with an impressive 9.850.
A consistent force for the Illini, junior Lindsay Dwyer earned a 9.700. Scott made her collegiate vault debut with a solid 9.700, while sophomore Kasey Meeks anchored the lineup with a 9.750. Otto also added a 9.725 to the vault rotation.
Battling until the end, Illinois recorded their fourth 49.000+ bars score this season with a 49.050. Dwyer led off with a season-high 9.825 on bars. Howell matched Dwyer's 9.825, while Otto impressed with a season-high 9.900 on bars. Senior Rachael Donovan anchored the impressive bars lineup with a 9.850.
"Having Rachael Donovan seal the deal was amazing," said Walsh. "She is a tough athlete and competitor. I love seeing different girls on the team getting their glory and she (Rachael) totally deserved it today."
The Illini return to Huff Hall to complete their home slate, starting with Senior Night vs. No. 6 Denver next Friday night. The Daddy-Daughter theme will begin at 7 p.m. CT with the competition and the senior night festivities to follow. Illinois has four seniors that will be honored – Otto, Donovan, Julia Hutcherson, and Haylee Roe. The meet will stream live on BTN Plus and FloGymnastics.
The last time the Orange and Blue won against the Pioneers was the 2012 NCAA Champaign Regional hosted by Illinois, where the Illini finished third (195.725) and Denver in fourth (194.875). Fighting Illini legend, Alina Weinstein, won beam and the all-around to qualify to the 2012 NCAA Championship as an individual. The 2008 season was the last time Denver traveled to Champaign for a dual meet against the Illini.
Illinois Notes
- Illinois earns a spot in the evening session of the Big Ten Championships in March for the third consecutive season.
- The Illini reset a season-high total on beam with a 49.075. The Illini have now recorded back-to-back 49.000+ on beam this season.
- The Orange and Blue record their fourth 49.000+ of the season on bars with a 49.050.
- After becoming a viral sensation overnight, sophomore Rachel Borden led off the beam lineup with a 9.625.
- Sophomore Kylie Noonan matched her season-high of 9.800 on beam.
- Junior Karen Howell recorded as season-high 9.850 on beam.
- Freshman Shaylah Scott made her collegiate vault debut with a solid 9.700.
- Junior Lindsay Dwyer led off the final rotation with a season-high 9.825 on bars.
- Redshirt senior Mary Jane Otto impressed with a season-high 9.900 on bars.
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