CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -  Illinois women's gymnastics hit a 197.125 in their quad meet win over Boise State, Central Michigan and Northern Illinois Friday night. It is the first time the Illini hit 197 since their record -breaking performance against Minnesota last season.

"Tonight I saw my team, even before we walked into the arena declare what they were going to do and they say it out loud. They did it in the details during practice this week," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "They manifested it tonight and it was fun, it was easy. They still have room to improve which is really exciting. I'm just so grateful for my team and my staff and my managers because of their group effort tonight."

The Illini put together a full meet tonight, staying consistent on all four events. The night was highlighted by two 49.450 on bars and beam. The bars score is tied for second best in Illinois program history with four Illini scoring 9.90 in the lineup. On beam, Illinois four gymnasts scored 9.875 before Mia Takekawa anchored with a season high 9.95. Takekawa also scored a 9.90 on bars , 9.825 on floor and 9.80 on vault to finish first in the all-around with a career-high 49.475.

Mia Townes made her return to the vault and beam lineup tonight after missing a portion of the season. Her presence was immediately felt by the Illini. On vault she scored a 9.850 and on 9.875 on beam.  

Illinois finished the night with a 49.150 on floor, one of their best scores this season. Kaitlyn Ewald lead the lineup with a 9.80. A week after her career-high performance Abby Mueller scored a 9.850 tonight. The highest score came from the anchor Amelia Knight who score a 9.90. Knight's night was another strong one from her. She hit 9.90 on bars and 9.80 on beam.

UP NEXT

Illinois will host their final home meet of the 2022 season next Thursday when they host Bowling Green on Senior Night. The meet is scheduled for 7 pm CT with senior ceremonies following the conclusion of the meet.