Results
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Graduate student Mia Takekawa earned the shared bars title in No. 24 Illinois' third-place finish against No. 9 Alabama, No. 17 Minnesota and Talladega College Friday night at the Coleman Coliseum.
The Crimson Tide won the meet with the prestigious 198.000. The Golden Gophers scored a 197.400, with the Illini scoring a 196.075 and the Tornadoes taking a 191.000.
"The team handled the environment extremely well," head coach Nadalie Walsh said. "I am very proud of their confidence in their routines. They still have small improvements to make to be the best team they can be.
Arielle was a boss tonight. She had such a phenomenal vault and it was extremely exciting to see her shine"
Takekawa scored a 9.950 on bars, splitting the event win with Alabama's Luisa Blanco.
Arielle Ward broke her career-high on vault with a 9.925, coming in second place behind Blanco's perfect 10.0.
Beam
Mia Townes started the Illini off strong on beam, scoring a 9.825. Amelia Knight followed the momentum, notching a 9.850. Takekawa was the highest scorer for Illinois, taking a 9.900.
Floor
Townes, Abby Mueller and Alea Byrne all took a 9.850 on floor, with Ward scoring a 9.725.
Vault
While vault was highlighted by Ward's career high, Mueller also scored a 9.775 with Olivia Coppola taking a 9.750.
Bars
Kaitlyn Ewald had a notable score on bars, scoring a 9.825. Mueller and Lyden Saltness followed suit, both scoring a 9.800.
Up Next
Illinois will come back to Huff Hall one last time for Senior Night on March 17 at 2 p.m. CT versus No. 19 Arizona, No. 13 Missouri and SEMO.
