Results
SALT LAKE CITY – Fighting Illini freshman gymnast Lizzy LeDuc qualified for the NCAA National Championships by claiming the floor title at Saturday's NCAA Regionals in Salt Lake City. LeDuc finished first on floor by producing a career-high 9.950 that surpassed her previous career-best of 9.875. Illinois will be represented at the national meet for the ninth year in a row.
LeDuc's 9.950 on floor ranks third in program history on the event. The Dallas, Texas, native is the first Illini freshman to qualify individually for the NCAA National Championships since Allison Buckley in 2008.
As a team, the Orange and Blue fought back from an early deficit to finish fourth with a 195.350, behind Utah (197.125), UCLA (196.375) and Washington (195.825). Illinois finished ahead of Utah State (195.025) and Southern Utah (194.950). Illinois competed without Giana O'Connor, Mary Jane Horth and Haylee Roe, as they were sidelined with injuries.
"I'm extremely proud of how the team handled the adversity that we were faced with today," head coach Kim Landrus said. "They put their heart out on the floor and performed each routine with the "Fighting" Illini determination. We've learned so many lessons over the course of the last year and I'm confident that it will help us grow and succeed as a team in years to come."
The Orange and Blue began the meet on bars a produced a 48.675. Kato led the group with a 9.825 that placed eighth. Erin Buchanan and Jordyn Givens followed with a 9.725. Bridget Hodan tied her career-high with a 9.700, while Illinois also counted a 9.700 from Sarah Lyons.
In the second rotation, Illinois totaled a 48.875 on beam. Kato concluded her Illini career with a 9.850 that led the team and placed third. LeDuc produced a 9.825 that placed ninth. Buchanan and Brielle Nguyen totaled a 9.750, while Heather Foley (9.700) also contributed to the total.
Following a bye, the Illini turned up the intensity on floor. Illinois produced a 49.275, their second-best total on the event this season. Lizzy LeDuc shined for the Orange and Blue taking the floor crown with a 9.950. Buchanan turned in another great floor routine, totaling a 9.900 that placed fourth. Foley produced a season-high 9.825, while Nguyen also garnered a 9.825. Becca Cuppy made her official collegiate debut and produced a 9.775, while Hodan also scored a 9.775.
Finishing the meet on vault, Illinois garnered a 48.525. Buchanan led with a 9.850 that placed sixth, while Foley and LeDuc followed with a 9.750. The Illini also counted scores from Givens (9.600) and Julia Hutcherson (9.575).
LeDuc will compete in the semifinals at the NCAA National Championships on Friday, April 15, in Fort Worth, Texas.
