COLUMBUS, Ohio – Illinois women's gymnastics concluded the afternoon session of the Big Ten Championships with a score of 195.825.
"I love this team and while they did falter and make some mistakes I know they will be stronger for it," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "Now we turn out heads to postseason and regionals, they will be even more ready to live in the moment and grow."
The Illini started the meet on a bye then on floor for their first event. Illinois scored 49.225 on the event with a pair of 9.850's from Abby Mueller and Amelia Knight. Mia Townes anchored the lineup with a 9.90.
On vault Illinois made a program statement, competing two 10.0 vaults for the first time in Walsh's tenure. Mia Townes and Ruthu Nataraj both debuted 1.5's at the end of the lineup. Townes scored a 9.850 and Nataraj tied her career-best 9.90.
"Mia and Ruthu were hungry and driven to improve their start values on vault," said Walsh. "To be able to put the 1.5 out there just makes us even more relevant. We're proud to put those vaults out there today and then at out next competition."
Nataraj's 9.90 was tied for first in the afternoon session.
After a couple falls on bars Illinois went into the final rotation, on beam with some ground to makeup. Abby Mueller posted a 9.80, followed by Townes 9.850 to help the Illini on the event. Mia Takekawa anchored the event with a 9.950, her third time scoring that this season on beam. Takekaawa scored a perfect 10.0 two weeks ago.
Takekawa finished the competition with a 39.325 in the all around. Her 9.925 on bars was the best of the afternoon session as was her 9.950 on beam.
Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State and Minnesota will compete in the evening session of the Championships. Following the meet the individual and team winners will be decided.
