Illini Finish Third, Hold Highest Scores on Three Events After Session I of Big Ten Championships

RECAP

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illini recorded a 195.125 on the first day of the Big Ten Championships at State Farm Center on Friday night.

The Fighting Illini posted the highest individual scores on vault, bars, and beam as the Orange and Blue competed in Session I alongside Nebraska, Rutgers, and Washington.

"This team is completely unified. Through thick and thin, they stuck together. The lessons learned this year will not be forgotten," said head coach Josh Nilson. "There wasn't a point in this competition where they doubted their teammates; they stood shoulder to shoulder and fought the whole way. The groundwork has been laid by these incredible young women. We appreciate all of the support, and we look forward to building on the important lessons of the 2026 season. Keep an eye on this team; the future is bright! I-L-L!"

Starting the night on bars, the Illini scored a 48.675 behind a session-high 9.925 from Chloe Cho. Destiny Denning accounted for the team's second-best score with a 9.750, good for 12th place.

On beam, Cho continued her big night with a 9.875, which saw her hold first place on the apparatus after the first session. Summer Clancy collected a 9.825, which saw her tie for third place among Friday's teams.

With the Illini shifting to floor, Illinois secured its best score of the night with a 49.075. Eden King tied her career-high with a 9.900, which moved her into a tie for second place. Cho was not far behind with a 9.875, helping her take fourth place on Friday.

Ending the meet on vault, Clancy capped her Big Ten Championships debut with a 9.900, tying her career-best score on the event while holding first place in the meet. King's 9.750 moved her into a tie for seventh place.