ATHEN, Ga. – Illinois gymnastics finished behind No. 1 Florida and NC State in the second round of the Athens regional on Saturday night.

"I wouldn't trade this season for anything. I think the lessons that everyone learned about ourselves and the passion for the sport is never going to change," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "We of course would have wanted another round  and it's a bittersweet ending but they will get better and better at being at this kind of stage and arena."

The Illini started the night on bars, where they put up a 49.050. Olivia O'Donnell led the lineup, scoring a 9.85. Kaitlyn Ewald scored  a 9.85 on the event. Illinois moved to beam next, scoring a 48.950. Some mistakes hurt them on their best event. Mia Townes and Rachel Borden scored a team beast 9.850.

Illinois looked to bounce back on floor. Strong scores by Kylie Noonan (9.8), Nicole Biondi (9.875) and Mia Townes (9.875) helped the Illini score a 49.200 on the event. Shaylah Scott anchored floor, scoring a 9.900.

Heading into the final event, vault, Illinois had a chance to qualify for the regional finals. The team put up a solid 49.175. Townes and Biondi scored 9.875 and 9.850 respectively and Julia Waight scored a career-best 9.825 in the anchor spot.

In the end, Illinois came up short. They finished behind No. 1 seeded Florida and NC State who move onto tomorrow's regional final.