East Lansing, Mich. – Illinois women's gymnastics scored a season high 196.450 against No. 15 Michigan State. Several Illini set new career-highs but it was not enough to beat the Spartans who set three new program records.
"This team composed themselves it extremely well today," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "It's encouraging to know that this team is hungry for more and that while they left some points out there today they'll be able to get them next week."
Illinois started the meet with strong routines on the first three events. They scored a 49.275 on bars with every routine hitting a 9.80 or higher. Mia Takekawa and Kaitlyn Ewald both scored a team-high 9.875 on the event. The Illini vault score, a 49.150 was highlighted by two career-highs. Sophomore Abby Mueller lead-off the event with hers, a 9.875 and Arayah Simons anchored the event with a 9.90. Lexi Powe continued her string of solid vaults with a 9.825. During the third rotation Illinois scored a 49.175. Again, Mueller led off for the team and scored a 9.825. Mueller leads off on three events for Illinois. Amelia Knight scored a team high 9.875 in the anchor spot.
"Abby is extremely trustworthy but she is also hungry to get better each week, this week was a personal best for her on vault and to have that to lead us off and set the tone is really important. She has been setting that tone on her events all year."
For the final rotation Illinois was on beam where junior McKenzie Eddy made her Illinois debut after facing a number of injuries during her time in the Orange and Blue. She would post a 9.80 on the event.
"McKenzie and her beam routine were definitely the highlight of today's meet for everyone," said Walsh. "She has had a long battle with injuries and I couldn't not be happier for her to have the opportunity to be in her element today!"
Takekawa competed in the all-around for her third straight meet against Michigan State, fishing with a 39.325. She would finish Illinois meet lineup with a stuck dismount and 9.875.
"Tak is kind of captaining the ship right now for us, said Walsh. "She is a great example of what is to be a Division I and Big Ten highly decorated performer and leader. I'm really excited for her to continue her journey."
UP NEXT
Illinois will travel to Toledo this week for the Big Five Meet. They will compete against Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, and Maryland on Friday at 7 pm CT.
