Results

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The No. 23 Illinois women's gymnastics team defeated Rutgers, 196.575-196.375 at Jersey Mike's Arena Saturday afternoon.

The win puts the Orange and Blue to a 3-2 mark on the year, and a 1-0 mark in conference competition. This was also their ninth straight win over the Scarlet Knights. 

The Illini started the meet a little shaky on bars, with the highest score a 9.900 from Mallory Mizuki, who also tied for first place. Olivia O'Donnell earned the next best score, with a 9.875. 

"This team was not going to back down after their tough start in the first rotation," head coach Nadalie Walsh said. "They displayed all the grit of a true Fighting Illini and stepped up to the challenge of making a comeback. They nailed all their routines for the last three rotations. This is a special group of young women who have learned how to lead as a unified group. There are no limits on this team and I am incredibly honored to be their coach."

Illinois stepped up in vault, with Mia Townes leading the Orange and Blue with a 9.900 and placing first in the competition. Kadyn Fitzgibbon and Ruthuja Nataraj also showed up, both getting a 9.825. 

The Illini kept on rising with floor, their best rotation of the afternoon, with Townes leading once again with a 9.250 and getting her second title of the night. Abby Mueller and Ameila Knight also had strong performances, both earning a 9.900. 

To close out the event, Mia Takekawa sealed the deal with a 9.925 on beam, as well as tying for first place. Nataraj also had a strong performance on beam, earning a 9.875.  

Illinois will continue Big Ten competition with a meet against Nebraska at Huff Hall on Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.