Columbia, Mo. – Illinois women's gymnastics hit 197 for the third time this season in Missouri. The Illini scored a 197.275 and finished behind #11 Missouri who scored a 197.675.
"I'm really happy about tonight, the team was able to balance confidence and having fun on the road," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "They knew what they wanted to do tonight and they capitalized on every turn. While they weren't flawless, that just means they have room to grow and peak at Big Tens and in the postseason."Â
The Illini put together a consistent meet, scoring above 49.00 on each of the events. On bars, where they rank No. 15 nationally, Illinois posted a 49.250 with individual highlights from Olivia O'Donnell who scored a 9.90 and Mia Takekawa who scored a 9.95 for a consecutive meet.
Following her historic night against Bowling Green, Takekawa posted a 39.575 in the all-around, tied for second best in program history. On beam she scored her second 9.95 of the night followed by a 9.875 on floor and 9.8 on vault. "I love watching Tak enjoy herself and enjoy the moment when she is out there competing," said Walsh.
The Illini beam team gave the them a slight edge over Mizzou after the second rotation. They posted a 49.245, tied for third best in program history. Abby Mueller lifted the Illini on the event, setting a new PR 9.925. The Illini followed their beam score with an even better one on floor. Illinois scored 49.450, that is tied for second best in Illini history.
Kaitlyn Ewald led-off floor tying her PR 9.875 and was followed by Mueller's 9.9, and Knight's and Takekawa's 9.875. Mia Townes, who has been steadily returning to the lineup after battling some injured made her season debut on floor by anchoring the event and tying her career-best 9.925.
"Having Townes back in our floor lineup is a cherry on top of what the floor team can be," said Walsh. "She was almost flawless tonight, it was a beautiful routine with a lot of confidence."
Illinois finished the night on vault posting a 49.150 in their final event. Lexi Powe scored a team-high 9.9. "Lexi has been a rock on vault for us. I was so excited to see her bounce back today after a couple rough meets
UP NEXT
Illinois will travel to Ohio State to compete at Big Ten Championships. They will compete in the afternoon session.Â
