LEXINGTON, Ken. -  Illinois women's gymnastics finished with a 195.650 in their quad meet with Kentucky, Georgia and Central Michigan. No. 12 Kentucky finished first with a score of 197.450. 

The Illini struggled during their first rotation on beam before bouncing back. On floor, they posted a 49.275 counting five routines scoring above a 9.80. Kaitlyn Ewald tied her career-high with a 9.850 and junior Mia Takekawa scored a new career-high 9.875. Amelia Knight continued her consistent string floor of routines, also scoring a 9.875.

"The first rotation was not what we are capable of but this team of young women did not hold anything back on the next three rotations," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "They performed like champions for the rest of the meet. All situations are teaching moments. I want them to learn to always be aggressive and confident especially on beam!"

"We are definitely looking forward to competing at home in Huff on Sunday."

Freshman Ruthuja Nataraj rebounded on floor scoring 9.850 then a 9.80 on vault. Olivia O'Donnell and Lexi Powe also scored 9.80 on their vaults. Junior Arayah Simons made her return to the Illini lineup tonight on vault after missing the end of last season with an injury.

In the final rotation the Illini finished the meet on a high note scoring a 49.400 on the uneven bars. They tied the 5^th best score in program history. Illinois scored back-to-back-to-back 9.90s from Olivia O'Donnell, Kaitlyn Ewald and Mia Takekawa. Rachel Borden also scored a career-high 9.875.

Takekawa again competed in the all-around, posting a career-high 39.275.

Up Next

Illinois returns to Champaign for their home opener in Huff Hall against Minnesota Sunday, Feb. 6 at 2 pm.