Illini Gymnastics Advances to Super Six at NCAA Championships

RECAP

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Fighting Illini placed third in a field of six at the NCAA Championships Qualifiers to advance to the Super Six Finals. Illinois' final score of 323.194 defeated Ohio State, Army, and Navy for the final qualifying spot.

The Orange and Blue started the night on still rings, where Logan Myers (13.333) and Preston Ngai (13.366) led the way for the squad.

The scoring picked up on vault, when Ian Sandoval led off with a 13.566 before Dylan Shepard's 14.000. Amari Sewell contributed a 13.833 and Garrett Schooley closed out the rotation with a 14.366 to win the event title. After two rotations, the Illini had improved two spots to third place.

On parallel bars, Nathan Whitaker re-entered the lineup with a lead-off 13.100. Sandoval tallied a 13.600 and fifth-year Will Hauke earned a team-high 13.633.

The scoring remained tight on high bar, with Ngai's 13.500 leading the way for the Orange and Blue. After Rotation 4, Illinois dipped into fourth place behind Ohio State.

The Illini would regain momentum on floor when Whitaker started off with a 13.466. Sewell contributed a 13.400 before Sandoval tallied a 13.900. Schooley anchored with a 13.800.

Illinois would enter the final rotation trailing Ohio State by 0.097 points. All four pommel horse routines hit for the Illini; Connor Micklos led with a 13.366, Hauke added a 13.833, and Brandon Dang and Ngai finished the meet with a pair of 14.233s.

In his first-ever all-around competition, Ngai brought home the title with an 80.198. Sandoval earned second with a 78.299.

"Tonight was a special night," said head coach Daniel Ribeiro. "With three of our top athletes out for the season, the rest of this team rallied and put together an incredible meet. It was truly a full team effort. We are blessed to be back in the Super Six!"

Illinois will be back in action April 19 at 5:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2 to face a field of Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Stanford.