Chambana Sun

Illinois women's gymnastics team finished sixth at the Big Ten Championships held at the Jenison Field House in East Lansing, Michigan. The team scored 196.700 points on Saturday evening.

Michigan State, ranked ninth, claimed the championship with a score of 197.600. Minnesota followed closely with 197.500, and Michigan secured third place with 197.225.

Mia Takekawa, Mia Townes, Arielle Ward, and Kadyn Fitzgibbon were recognized for their performances by earning spots on the All-Championship Team.

Head coach Nadalie Walsh expressed satisfaction with the team's performance: "The Big Ten Championships meet is always exciting and a tough competition," she said. "Our athletes handled their session extremely well. Their energy and togetherness really carried them to the end."

Walsh highlighted Arielle Ward's performance on vault as a significant achievement: "Arielle tying for second on vault is a huge victory for her and the program." Assistant coach Ross Thompson was credited for preparing Ward physically and mentally.

Ward tied for second place on vault with a score of 9.900. Fitzgibbon and Townes both achieved seventh place on floor with scores of 9.900 each, while Takekawa placed tenth on beam scoring 9.875.

In other events, Ward scored 9.825 on floor alongside Alea Byrne and Allie Morgan who also earned 9.825 each. On vault, Abby Mueller, Byrne, and Townes each received scores of 9.850 following Ward's performance.

On bars, Takekawa led with a score of 9.850 followed by Destiny Denning and Kaitlyn Ewald who both scored 9.825.

Takekawa continued her strong showing on beam with a score of 9.875; Townes scored 9.850 while Mueller added a score of 9.825.

Looking ahead, Illinois will compete in the NCAA Regionals but will not know their opponents or location until Monday during the selection show available at ncaa.com.