CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois women's gymnastics picked up their second Big Ten win of the season Friday night over No. 24 Rutgers. The Illini posted a season best 196.650 over the Scarlett Knights who scored a 195.475. Illinois also hit their season high on floor, a 49.325 and had five gymnasts set or tie new personal bests.
"I'm really proud of the team, said head coach Nadalie Walsh. " We did not have the bar set that we typically do so when it all comes together this team I think will shock themselves with how good they are. We've been working really hard on performing and essentially teaching them how to let loose and have a little bit more fun and not try to be perfect but try to be themselves."
Freshman Ruthuja Nataraj had a career-night for the Illini. She scored two new career-highs, both 9.90s on vault and floor. "Ruthu has really figured out how to pay attention to the details and to train the way she wants to compete," said Walsh. "She is acting the same in the gym as she is on the competition floor and its showing."
Three other Illini scored 9.90s during the meet. For the third week in a row Arayah Simons anchored the vault lineup tying her career-high. During the second rotation Olivia O'Donnell tied her career high on the uneven bars. On floor sophomore Abby Mueller set her new personal best on the event following Nataraj's.
Mia Takekawa continued her consistency winning the individual all-around for Illinois, scoring a career-best 39.450. Her night was highlighted event title on beam scoring a season-best 9.925. She posted 9.825 on vault and bars and a 9.875 on floor.
"Tak is so dependable and she is extremely great leader because she doesn't carry stress," said Walsh. "Stress does not affect her and she is modeling that for everyone."
UP NEXT
Illinois is back home next Friday to host a quad meet with Central Michigan, Boise State and Northern Illinois. The meet is scheduled for Friday, March 4 at 7 pm CT.
