IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team lost a close battle in Iowa today. The meet remained close through the first three rotations before Iowa pulled away. Illinois put up a 196.225 on Saturday afternoon.

Illinois started the day on bars where they put up a 49.075 to take a slight lead over Iowa. Olivia O'Donnell scored a 9.90, tying her career-high and winning the bars title. Nicole Biondi and Kaitlyn Ewald both scored 9.825 on the event.

The Illini headed to vault next. Abby Mueller tied her career-best 9.775. Biondi followed Muller and scored a 9.800 on the event. Mia Townes stay consistent on the event, scoring a 9.825.

On floor, Illinois scored a 49.125 with Biondi, Mueller and Townes all putting up 9.825. Shaylah Scott scored a team-high 9.850 to anchor the event.  The Orange and Blue finished the meet on beam, scoring another 49.125.  For the third straight week Mia Takekawa scored a 9.900. Nicole Biondi matched her career high 9.875. Her 39.325 in the all-around was good enough to beat out JerQuavia Henderson.

Up Next

The Illini return the Huff Hall next week to face Minnesota. It is the last meet before Big Ten Championships. The Illinois senior class will be honored following the conclusion of the meet.

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