Mount Pleasant, Mich. – Illinois women's gymnastics defeated Central Michigan 194.150 - 193.425 on Sunday afternoon to begin the 2022 season.  Illinois outscored CMU on three events, with teams tying on vault with 48.775. 

"We faced some adversity today and I'm super proud of our athletes for fighting through it together and pulling out the win," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "Some of them needed to step up and we relied on our verterans to lead us. Now we have another week to practice and for our athletes to get healthier."

Illinois captured two event titles against the Chippewas. On bars, Rachel Borden and Mallory Mizuki tied for first, both scoring 9.825. Mizuki tied with Mia Townes on beam to win the Illini's second event as well scorimg 9.825 on their routines. A senior, Mizuki did not compete for Illinois until last season after battle injuries during her first two seasons and today marked her debut routine on beam. Illinois finished the meet on their strongest event with a lineup that featured experience. Along with Mizuki and Townes, Amelia Knight scored a 9.80 on the event after an Illini best 9.825 on floor.

Several Illini made their debuts today. Freshman Ruthuja Nataraj made her debut on vault and scored and Illini-best 9.80 on the event, the highest score in the event for Illinois. Sophomore Ashley Resch competed a vault and a beam exhibition routine after missing last season with an injury. On vault, Lexi Powe stepped up to anchor the event for Illinois after injuries forced changes.

UP NEXT

Illinois travels to Kent, Ohio for a tri-meet with Kent State and Northern Illinois. They compete Sunday, Jan. 16 at 12 pm CT.