Las Vegas, Nev. – Illinois women's gymnastics finished second of five with a score of 195.825 this evening in the first session of the Mean Girls Super 16 Gymnastics Championships in Las Vegas, Nev.
The Illini tied their all-time team score when competing their season-opener away.
Illinois started on beam, with Mia Takekawa leading the Illini with a 9.900 and Ruthuja Nataraj earning a 9.800.
Mia Townes and Kadyn Fitzgibbon lead the Illini on floor, both scoring a 9.80. Sophomore Alea Byrne made a statement with a 9.775 with Kaitlyn Ewald close behind, scoring a 9.75.
Takekawa led the team once again, earning a 9.825 on vault. Bryne, freshman Olivia Coppola, Abby Mueller and Arielle Ward all followed Takekawa, each scoring a 9.775.
Freshman Destiny Denning shined in her Illini debut, taking the highest Illini bar score with a 9.875. Ward was a step behind her, with a 9.85 with Mueller and Ewald notching a 9.825.
Takekawa was the only Illini competing in all around, earning a 39.175.
"The team did an incredible job," head coach Nadalie Walsh said. "They did great, being calm, confident and composed during the entire competition. Their potential has turned into authentic belief in themselves and each other. They are committed to the mission, connected as a team and staff and everyone is hungry to be rewarded for the hard work. I'm proud of this group and can't wait to compete at home in Huff Hall next weekend."
