Results
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Illinois women's gymnastics advanced to the second round of the NCAA Regionals with a 195.825-195.775 win over Ball State Wednesday afternoon in Crisler Center.
"We are extremely excited and so grateful to be advancing to Round 2," head coach Nadalie Walsh said. "Round 1 is always the hardest competition of the year because of how critical it is to hit and position yourself above the opponent. The Fighting Illini did just that. They handled the pressure well and will only get better tomorrow. I can't wait for this team to make incredible memories and put it all out there in the night session on Thursday."
Three Illini posted the top scores in their events. Mia Takekawa finished as the highest scorer of the day on the bars, posting a 9.900, while Amelia Knight tied for the top score on beam with a 9.850, and Mia Townes posted the day's best mark, a 9.850, on the floor.
Event Breakdown
Vault
The Illini earned a team score fo 48.875, led by Townes and Arielle Ward who scored a pair of 9.800s, just ahead of Takekawa with a 9.775.
Bars
Illinois scored a 49.050 as a team on the bars. Knight (9.850) finished second individually, just behind Takekawa's 9.900. Abby Mueller tied for third with a score of 9.800.
Beam
The Illini notched a team tally of 48.900 on beam, with Townes and Kaitlyn Ewald scoring notable marks of 9.800, and Mueller securing a 9.750.
Floor
Towne's first-place finish led the Illini to a team score of 49.000 on the floor. Mueller and Alea Byrne tied for second at 9.800, with Ward and Allie Morgan just behind at 9.775.
Up Next
The Illini will compete against No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 16 NC State and No. 17 Ohio State tomorrow night at 6 p.m. CT in the second round. The top two teams will advance to the final round on April 6 at 4 p.m. CT for a chance to advance to NCAA Nationals.
