Results
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team put up a score of 195.900 on Friday, Jan. 31, but it was not enough to beat No. 24 Penn State, who scored 196.325.
"Overall, the team had a much better and more complete meet," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "No falls were counted, routines were competed with more confidence, and the young ones are no longer brand-new. We're able to capitalize on their potential."
With a strong start on the uneven bars, four Illini were present within the top five scores. Senior Makayla Green claimed the top spot (9.925), rookie Chloe Cho took fourth (9.850), and Arielle Ward and Kennedy Brown tied for fifth (9.775). Green's career-high score led the team to a total score of 49.075.
Heading over to vault, sophomore Mareli Muller hit her Yurchenko full with ease, crowning her the event winner with a 9.850. Sophomore Olivia Coppola came in a close third (9.800).
On the floor exercise, the Illini produced consistent results, with Muller having the Illini's high score and placing third overall for the event with a 9.875.
The Orange and Blue ended the night on the beam, and Cho produced a career high and placed first in the event with a dazzling 9.925. Cho was the all-around champion with a 39.400, tying her career high and besting the second-highest score by 0.600.
"We're continuing to win event titles, showing that we have some of the best routines out there in every event," Walsh said. "Chloe continues to shine in the all-around and has truly earned the trust of the team. It was great to see Mareli be rewarded for her excellent vaults, and Makayla has now won three of her four competitions on bars. It's such a victory for a veteran who has returned from multiple injuries. I'm excited to have a weekend with two home meets coming up, so our team has twice the opportunity to show off their hard work."
Illinois will be back in Huff Hall twice next weekend. First on Friday, Feb. 7 to take on No. 16 Ohio State for their Self-Love meet and alumni reunion. Competition will begin at 7 p.m. CT. Then on Feb. 9, the Illini will host No. 9 Missouri at 1 p.m. CT.
Event Winners
Chloe Cho - Balance Beam (9.925), All-Around (34.900)
Makayla Green - Uneven Bars (9.925)
Mareli Muller - Vault (9.850)
Career Highs
Chloe Cho - Uneven Bars (9.850), Balance Beam (9.925)
Makayla Green - Uneven Bars (9.925)
Mareli Muller - Vault (9.850), Floor Exercise (9.875)
Megan Sapp - Balance Beam (9.775)
