LINCOLN, Neb. – Illinois' hot start on bars was not enough as they came up short Monday night, losing to Nebraska 195.500-195.375. Junior Mia Takekawa saw success, competing in the all-around for the first time since her freshman season.

"It's great to be back out there competing, I'm really proud and we had some really amazing performances from multiple athletes," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "It definitely is heart wrenching to have to take a loss on this one but I know this team will learn from their mistakes and be able to turn this into a win next time."

The Fighting Illini lead after the first rotation, scoring a 49.100 on the uneven bars. Senior Mallory Mizuki scored a 9.850 and Takekawa hit a new career-high 9.90 on the event, the highest score of the night for either team. Takekawa scored a 9.80 on beam finish the meet with a score of 39.250 and all-around title. "It was great to see Mia be comfortable in her skin and have the ability to go out there and do what we know she can consistently do," said Walsh.

Illinois kept the momentum on vault with three gymnasts scoring above a 9.80. Takekawa won her second event title with a score of 9.850 and Lexi Powe anchored the lineup with a score of 9.825. Powe has been a consistent vaulter for Illinois since the end of last season. "Lexi has been doing a phenomenal job being an event specialist for us," said Walsh. "She pays specific attention to detail for everything she needs to do in her vault and she just keeps getting better week after week."

On floor and beam Amelia Knight again proved to be a key gymnast for the Illini. She scored a team high 9.825 on floor and a 9.80 on beam to close out the meet for Illinois.  "This weekend was amazing for Amelia, she did every routine that she set out to do and she was a huge point contributor for our team in both meets. I think this is only the beginning for what we will see from her." At Penn State Amelia scored above a 9.80 on her three events including a career high 9.90 on floor.

Up Next

Illinois will travel to Kentucky on Friday to compete against the Wildcats, Georgia and Central Michigan at 6 pm CT. The Illini then return to Huff Hall Sunday, Feb. 6 at 2 pm against Minnesota.