Results

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Senior Mia Townes and sophomore Ruthuja Nataraj both secured career-highs in No. 23 Illinois women's gymnastics' 196.825-196.600 loss to No. 13 Ohio State Monday night at Huff Hall. 

Townes started hot on the evening, scoring a 9.90 on vault, just .50 away from taking first place. Nataraj also had a notable score, securing a 9.875. 

"Ruthu and Townes were 100% in the zone," head coach Nadalie Walsh said. "They were enjoying every second of their performances and they did a phenomenal job."

Mia Takekawa and Mallory Mizuki split second place on bars, both earning a 9.875. Olivia O'Donnell was just behind them, scoring a 9.825. 

Townes took her first event win of the night on beam, tying for first and breaking her career-high with a 9.925. Nataraj and Mizuki were behind Townes, both attaining 9.80.

Nataraj shined on floor, breaking her career-high with a 9.925. Townes, however, won the event with a solid 9.95. 

"I think overall, the team did awesome," Walsh said. "We haven't put all four events together as well as I know they can, so it makes me very eager and excited for the next meet because they're just one more step closer to getting where they trained in practice. I love this team, they're full of energy and support. I love the growth I see every single week. I definitely believe what they accomplished today will genuinely help them in the competitions to come."

The Illini will be back at Huff Hall Friday night against No. 15 Michigan State at 7 p.m. for Dare to Dream - Senior Night where the nine seniors will be acknowledged after the meet.