Feb. 17, 2007

Complete Results |  MIchigan State 

The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team was impressive in a 194.700-193.925 victory over No. 18 Michigan State Saturday night in East Lansing. Mich. It was the top road score of the season by nearly a point-and-a-half for Illinois (3-4, 3-1), and was the third time the Illini have beaten a higher ranked Big Ten opponent this season. Freshman Nicole Cowart won the all-around for the Orange and Blue, who had four different gymnasts win individual titles on the night.

"The preparation and the way we came in tonight was much better than last week," said Illinois head coach Bob Starkell. "I'm very happy with the way we bounced back, especially on the road."

Illinois started off the meet on the uneven bars, posting its second highest score of the season on the event (48.725). Senior Cara Pomeroy returned to her usual form on the bars, winning the event with a season-high score of 9.875. Freshman Sarah Schmidt tied her career-high with a 9.800 to tie for second place and freshman Nicole Cowart equaled her career-high with a 9.775. Illinois led 48.725-48.450 after one rotation.

"Cara has been putting a lot of pressure on herself, so it's good to see her do well and return to form like she did tonight" Starkell said.

In the second rotation, the Illini scored a 48.450 on the vault and were led by Cowart, who scored a 9.800 to take second place. Senior tri-captain Danye Botterman, who had not competed this season due to injury, returned to the lineup tonight for the first time, scoring a 9.550. Illinois led 97.125-97.050 halfway through the meet.

The Illini posted their top floor exercise score of the season (48.775) in rotation three. Schmidt picked up the first event title of her young career with a personal-best tying 9.825. Sophomore Lindsey Smith set a new career-high with a 9.750, while fellow sophomores Kim Kruk (9.750) and Marijka Botterman (9.675) collected season-high scores. Illinois held a 145.950-145.025 lead after three rotations.

In the fourth and final rotation, sophomore Julie Crall scored a 9.850 on beam to take first place, while Pomeroy took second with a 9.825. Schmidt tied for third with a career-high tying 9.750, as Illinois posted a team score of 47.750 on the beam.

Cowart scored a 39.025 to take her second all-around crown of the season. On the night, Illinois set or tied five career-highs and four season-highs. Schmidt led the way, equaling her previous career-highs on all three events she competed on.

The Illini return to action Sunday, Feb. 25, when they return home to compete against Iowa State and Northern Illinois at Huff Hall at 2 pm.