Illini Come Up Short in Home Opener

Recap

Women's Gymnastics February 6, 2022

Illini Come Up Short in Home Opener

Recap

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois' highest score of the season on vault was not enough to push the Illini past No. 5 Minnesota. The Illini fell 197.125-195.725 on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 6). Sophomore Amelia Knight earned the uneven bars title with a score of 9.875 and Junior Mia Takekawa earned her career-best in the all-around.

"I think the athletes did a really good job, they put a lot more fight into their routines today and they acted a lot more poised which I'm really proud of, said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "I'm really excited to have some more time to train this week so we can hit the road again."

Illinois began the meet strong, scoring a 49.225 on vault in the first rotation, their highest score on the event this season. Olivia O'Donnell and Ruthuja Nataraj both hit career-highs, scoring 9.825 and 9.875 respectively. Lexi Powe and Mia Takekawa both hit strong vaults, posting a 9.850 and 9.825.

"Our vault team is really pulling everything together, they have done a tremendous job doing three meets in seven days and they are continuing to get better each week."

Arayah Simons, after making her season debut on Friday at Kentucky anchored the vault lineup and scored a career-high 9.850 on the event.

"It's very critical to have Arayah back," said Walsh. "She is a phenomenal athlete and she is ready… Now she has an opportunity to take what was stolen from her last year and I'm very proud of her."

On bars, the Illini stuck five out of six dismounts. Takekawa and Amelia Knight highlighted the lineup scoring a 9.850 and 9.875. Knight's score put her in a three way tie for first on the event. Takekawa saw another big score on beam, hitting a 9.90 on the event. She would post a 9.825 on to finish with a career-high 39.400 in the all-around.

"Tak is doing a phenomenal job. Every routine, every event just really settling into finding the balance between competitiveness and joy," said Walsh.

Illinois finished the meet with a solid floor rotation, three gymnasts scoring a 9.825 or higher. Abby Mueller led of the Illini with a 9.850. Nataraj scored a 9.825, her third routine higher than a 9.80 . The Illini finished with a 49.00 on the event.