Results | Printable Results | Landrus Post-Meet Interview | Foley Post-Meet Interview

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team continued their 2015 home success Saturday afternoon with a close victory over Minnesota, 195.775-195.375. The win moves the Illini to 4-1 on the season and 3-0 at home.

"I think today was a mixed bag," head coach Kim Landrus said. "We had a lot of strong performances and we had performances that when we look at the video I think were going to say `OK, we need to fine tune this a little.' There's a lot we can still improve on."

The Illini weathered the storm after a couple of falls on beam, securing the victory with a 48.800 on floor. Illinois shined on bars with a season-best 49.375 - which tied for fourth-best in program history. Sophomore Mary Jane Horth led the Illini with a career-best 9.975 on bars, which took home the event title. For the second straight week Horth improved her all-around score with a second place showing, as she posited a career-high 39.475.

After the first rotation, The Illini took an early lead (48.950-48.550) that they wouldn't relinquish. Horth led the Orange and Blue, tying her career-high of 9.850. Junior Giana O'Connor also posted a 9.850, while junior Heather Foley (9.825), sophomore Sarah Lyons (9.775) and sophomore Erin Buchanan (9.650) rounded out the Illini scores in the event.

The Illini extended their lead with a season high on bars (49.375). Illinois posted the top three scores in the event led by Horth's career-best 9.975. Sunny Kato took second (9.900) and Sarah Lyons took third with a career-high performance (9.875). Rounding out the Illini who scored in the event were O'Connor (9.825) and senior Jordan Naleway (9.800).

The Gophers would cut into Illinois' lead after the third rotation, as the Illini had to count a fall on the balance beam. Sunny Kato's 9.900 took second in the event and Horth followed taking third (9.850). Foley posted a career-best 9.825 which took fifth, while Naleway (9.800) and Buchanan (9.275) also were the counting scores in the event.

Illinois secured the victory on floor with a 48.800. Foley and Horth led with 9.800's that were good for third place in the event. O'Connor (9.775), Buchanan (9.750) and senior Kelsi Eberly (9.675) also scored for the Illini.

Up next, the Orange and Blue travel to Iowa on Feb. 14 for their second conference road meet of the season. Action is slated to begin at 3 p.m. CT.