ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team matched their second-highest team score on the season with a 196.175 in the second-round evening session of the NCAA Ann Arbor Regional at Crisler Center. In a back and forth battle with Big Ten opponent, No. 14 Nebraska, the Orange and Blue fell to second to the Cornhuskers (196.800). No. 2 UCLA topped the second session semifinal with a 196.75, while No. 27 West Virginia finished fourth (195.425) to round out the field.
"I am beyond thrilled with how my team performed this entire weekend," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "They hit 100% of their routines both days and put everything they had out on the floor, while having an absolute blast the entire time."
The Orange and Blue hit 24 for 24 with their fourth 196.000+ this season. The team also recorded 49.000+ on three or more events for the fifth-time this season.
Leading the effort were all-arounders Mary Jane Otto and Karen Howell. Otto placed fourth with a 39.275, while Howell recorded a fifth-place finish with a 39.200. Power gymnast Kasey Meeks finished fifth on vault matching a career-high 9.900.
"This group of Fighting Illini women have been a privilege to work with all season," noted Walsh. "They had incredible energy tonight and sometimes it felt like we were the only team in the gym since they were so unified and confident in themselves and one and other."
Individual qualifiers for the NCAA Championships will be announced following the conclusion of the Regional Final in Ann Arbor on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. CT/7 p.m. ET.
First Rotation – Bars | 49.075
The Illini swung strong with a 49.075 to start off the meet on bars. Illinois has also past the 49.000+ mark on this event seven times this season. Spearheading the effort was Otto, who recorded a 9.875. Howell was also impressive with a 9.850, while Biondi and Noonan earned a pair of 9.800s.
Second Rotation – Beam | 49.025
The beam team elevated the Illini to third overall with a 49.025 on the event. This marks the eighth consecutive 49.000+ for the Orange and Blue this season. Freshman Shaylah Scott led the beam squad with a 9.825 with a stuck dismount. Four gymnasts all scored 9.800 on the event – Otto, Howell, Noonan, and lead-off Rachel Borden.
Third Rotation – Floor: 49.175
With the second-highest floor score of the season (49.175), the Illini recorded their sixth consecutive 49.000+ of the season. Noonan led the way on floor with a 9.875, while Howell also impressed with a 9.850. In her collegiate debut on floor, Meeks, showed powerful tumbling for a 9.825. Leading off the Illini, Scott also posted a 9.825.
Fourth Rotation – Vault: 48.900
The Illini concluded the meet with a solid 48.900. Meeks was the top Illini vaulter, matching a career-high 9.900 with a stuck Yurchenko-Full. Otto posted a 9.800, while junior Lindsay Dwyer led off the Orange and Blue with a 9.750.
Follow the Illini
Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest information on Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics. Follow the Orange and Blue on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for complete coverage.Â
