CHAMPAIGN, ILL. – Illinois women's gymnastics scored the second best score in program history against Bowling Green on Thurs. night (March 10). The Illini posted a 197.350 as well as the best vault score in program history against the Falcons. Individually, Mia Takekawa set a new program record in the all-around with a 39.750, beating Giana O'Connor's previous record of 39.625. Takekawa also became the first Illini to score two 10's in program history.
"It was a collective effort tonight, we are really starting to hit our stride," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "It's so exciting to know they put everything out there tonight but they still have more in them. I love where we are trending, I love that we are not done, that we have more meets left. This team is very unstoppable and I'm very proud of them."
"I'm so so proud of Tak, everyone is supporting her and she is supporting everyone, that's what happens when you have a team of unified girls. For her to win the all-around and break the school record is very deserving."
Illinois started the meet hot on vault, setting a new program-record 49.475 on the event. I t was their best vault score since 2014. The score was highlighted by Mia Townes' tying her career-high 9.925, and Arayah Simon's scoring a 9.95, a perfect score and the second best vault score in program history.
"We've recruited vault very hard the past few years, said Walsh. "To have those athletes come and show up, be healthy, it's amazing to see it come together!"
"With Arayah getting a perfect score on her vault is because she declared it for herself before the meet. She has been leading the charge I believing in big things, so I'm so proud of her and so thankful she got to obtain the big thing she has been waiting for."
Illinois moment continued to bars where Olivia O'Donnell scored a career-high 9.925 and Take scored a 9.950 which is tied for sixth best in program history. For the second week the Illini score a top-two score in program history on beam, they scored a 49.500. It is the second highest beam score in program history. Career-high were set by Mallory Mizuki, Abby Mueller and Mia Townes all set or tied theirs. Mia Takekawa, for the second time in her career scored a perfect 10.0 on the event. No other Illini has scored two 10's ever in their career.
Going into the last rotation, Illinois needed to score a 49.100 to hit a 197 all-around score. The Illini scored a 49.450, tying their second best score in program history. The second half of the lineup all scored a 9.925. That is a career-high for Amelia Knight, Abby Mueller and Mia Takekawa,
On the night, eight gymnasts scored new career-highs and two gymnasts tied their previous personal bests.
UP NEXT
Illinois is on the road at Missouri on Saturday. They will face Missouri, Iowa State and Lindenwood at 5 pm CT.
