Champaign, Ill. The Illini (2-2, 0-1) travel to face Ohio State on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m. CT, looking to bounce back from a recent conference loss.
The Fighting Illini are coming off a 196.075-194.100 defeat against Penn State in their Big Ten home opener. Despite the team loss, sophomore Chloe Cho anchored the Illini with a strong performance, leading the team on vault (9.800), bars (9.950), and floor (9.825) to finish with an all-around total of 39.250.
Mentality Shift
First-year head coach Josh Nilson emphasized the need for a mentality shift following the home opener, noting that the performances showed signs of nerves.
"I have some adjustments to make this week, but I am certain we will have a different team mentality going into Ohio State," Nilson said. "We will attack the weak points and make this community proud".
Key Contributors for the Illini
Sophomore Chloe Cho remains a focal point for the Illini, holding season highs of 9.950 on bars, 9.900 on beam, and 39.525 in the all-around. Junior Lyden Saltness, a 2024 second-team All-Big Ten selection, posted a 9.900 on bars against Penn State and holds a season-high of 9.925 in the event.
Freshman Callie Kauffman also contributed significantly in the home opener, leading the Illini on beam with a 9.725 and recording a 9.775 on vault. Following the road meet at Ohio State, Illinois will return home to face Maryland on Feb. 1.
