Jan. 5, 2002

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The University of Illinois women's gymnastics team kicked off the 2002 campaign on the road with a 193.750-190.550 loss at Minnesota. Illinois starts off with a record of 0-1 both overall and in the Big Ten.

Freshman Ashley Williams led the way for the Illini tying for first on the uneven bars (9.775) and taking third on the balance beam (9.775) en route to winning the all-around title with an overall total of 38.750. Fellow newcomer Lauren Newcomb paced the Illinois squad finishing third on the floor with a 9.750 and scoring a 9.675 on the vault to finish fourth.

Williams scored a 9.725 on the floor to tie for fourth. She was followed by fellow freshman Margaret Dann who recorded a 9.700 to take sixth place. Dann tied with sophomore Kara Kapernekas for sixth on the beam with totals of 9.575. Junior Jana Gallagher turned in the Illini's second highest score on the uneven bars with a 9.500 taking seventh in the event. Junior Amanda Kaufman vaulted to the Illini's second best score of 9.525 to finish seventh overall.

The Illini remain on the road travelling to Auburn Jan. 11 before coming home to face Illinois State at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19 at Huff Hall.

RESULTS

Vault
4th   Newcomb           9.675
7th   Kaufman            9.525
8th   Williams              9.475
9th   Ruffolo               9.450
11th Dann                  9.100
12th Buranich             9.000

Uneven Bars
T1st Williams               9.775
7th   Gallagher            9.500
8th   Hawley                9.475
9th   Buranich             9.400
10th Moradi                 9.325
12th Kapernekas        8.950

Balance Beam
3rd   Williams                  9.775
T6th Dann, Kapernekas 9.575
8th   Berg                       9.550
10th Gallagher               9.250
12th Hawley                   8.925

Floor Exercise
3rd   Newcomb            9.750
T4th Williams               9.725
6th   Dann                   9.700
9th   Gallagher            9.500
10th Kaufman             9.450
12th Hawley                8.825