Results

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The No. 19 Illinois women's gymnastics team beat Nebraska by nearly a point with a 196.700-195.800 win on Saturday afternoon in Huff Hall. Senior Mia Takekawa secured three event wins in the evening as well. 

Illinois improves to 4-2 on the year and 2-0 in Big Ten competition. 

"This win was a collective effort of every athlete on the floor," head coach Nadalie Walsh said. "The team had high energy, solid confidence and complete trust in each other. It was so much fun to watch them enjoy each moment and own their arena." 

The Illini began the competition on vault where Mia Townes secured the event win with a solid 9.900. Abby Mueller and Ruthuja Nataraj were the second highest Orange and Blue scores, both scoring a 9.825. 

Takekawa shined on bars, scoring the top score of the evening with a 9.950, tying her career-high. Mallory Mizuki was the second Illini top scorer with a 9.850, with Olivia O'Donnell scoring a 9.825. 

Takekawa kept her momentum going into beam, claiming her second event win with a 9.925. Mueller was a few points behind Takekawa, scoring a 9.850 and securing third place. 

Mueller came into floor and scored .25 away from her career-high with a 9.900. Takekawa broke her season-high on this event, securing a 9.875, while freshman Tali Joelson tied her career-high with the same score. 

Both Takekawa and Mueller competed in all-around – Takekawa taking first with a 39.525 and Mueller taking second with a 39.275. 

"Mia and Abby really led the charge by dominating each of their routines as all-around competitors," Walsh said. 

The Illini will hit the road again to face No. 16  Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn. at 4 p.m. The event will be streamed on B1G+.