LINCOLN, Neb. – No. 23 Illinois women's gymnastics will compete in the annual Big Five Tournament on Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Devaney Center.

ABOUT THE MEET 

The Illinois women's gymnastics is heading to Lincoln, Neb. for the annual Big Five Meet. Not only is this meet a chance for each Big Ten school to compete against one another, it will also determine which session a team gets in the Big Ten Championship meet.  

LAST TIME OUT 

The Illini are coming off a 196.825-196.600 loss to No. 13 Ohio State at Huff Hall.

Mia Townes started hot on the evening, scoring a 9.0 on vault, just .50 away from taking first place. Nataraj also had a notable score, securing a 9.875. 

Mia Takekawa and Mallory Mizuki split second place on bars, both earning a 9.875. Olivia O'Donnell was just behind them, scoring a 9.825. 

Townes took her first event win of the night on beam, tying for first and breaking her career-high with a 9.925. Nataraj and Mizuki were behind Townes, both attaining 9.80.

Nataraj shined on floor, breaking her career-high with a 9.925. Townes, however, won the event with a solid 9.95. 

HISTORY

The Illini have placed in the second or third spot since 2019, after earning the first place spot in 2018. Illinois also placed first in 2015 in the first ever Big Five meet. 

Last year, the Orange and Blue placed in third (196.375), two behind Michigan (197.950), Ohio State (196.900) and two in front of Iowa (196.225) and Maryland (195.725). 

MICHIGAN STATE MEET RESCHEDULED FOR 2/27

The Illinois women's gymnastics home meet against Minnesota has been rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. CT at Huff Hall.