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Freshman Julie Crall placed second on beam in her debut performance as an Illini.
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Jan. 6, 2006
Champaign, Ill. - The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team fell to the No. 6 Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla. Friday night by a score of 195.90-190.80. Illinois' kicked the meet off with two rough team performances on bars (47.425) and vault (46.625), however improved as the night went on, scoring 48.250 on floor and 48.500 on beam.
"We had some uncharacteristic mistakes on the first event by a few veterans and it had a snowball effect on our young gymnasts," head coach Bob Starkell said. "It was hard for our newcomers to compete against one of the nation's best programs in a very hostile setting."
In her debut as an Illini, freshman Julie Crall posted the squad's highest score of the night with a 9.800 on beam, good for second place, along with a 9.725 on floor.
"Julie showed a great presence about herself in her performance today," Starkell said. "She was very confident and exhibited characteristics of an upperclassman."
Along with Crall debut performance, Starkell was very happy with the leadership and maturity shown by his captains, senior Katie Wild and junior Cara Pomeroy.
"Katie and Cara were great today," Starkell said. "They kept their composure after the rough start we had and led the team."
Junior Cara Pomeroy followed Crall with the second-highest score among the Orange and Blue as she posted a 9.750 on bars along with a 9.725 on beam.
"Cara is Cara," Starkell said. " Her performance is always steady and confident. You can always count on her to perform well."
Illinois' schedule does not get any easier when they head to assistant coach Kim Mazza's alma mater, No. 11 Iowa State, for a dual meet next Friday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. CT.
Team Results V UB BB FX Total Florida 49.050 49.000 48.775 49.075 195.900 Illinois 46.625 47.425 48.500 48.250 190.800
