Chambana Sun

The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team faced a narrow defeat against No. 24 Penn State, scoring 195.900 to Penn State's 196.325 on Friday, January 31, in University Park, Pennsylvania.

"Overall, the team had a much better and more complete meet," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "No falls were counted, routines were competed with more confidence, and the young ones are no longer brand-new. We're able to capitalize on their potential."

In the uneven bars event, four Illini gymnasts ranked within the top five scores. Senior Makayla Green led with a score of 9.925, followed by rookie Chloe Cho in fourth place with 9.850, while Arielle Ward and Kennedy Brown tied for fifth at 9.775 each. Green's career-high performance contributed to a total team score of 49.075.

Sophomore Mareli Muller excelled in vaulting with her Yurchenko full routine, earning her first place with a score of 9.850. Fellow sophomore Olivia Coppola secured third place with a score of 9.800.

On floor exercise, Muller achieved the highest score for Illinois and placed third overall in the event with a score of 9.875.

The competition concluded on the balance beam where Chloe Cho delivered an impressive performance with a career-high score of 9.925 to win first place in that event as well as becoming the all-around champion with an overall score of 39.400.

"We're continuing to win event titles, showing that we have some of the best routines out there in every event," Walsh commented further on her team's performance: "Chloe continues to shine in the all-around and has truly earned the trust of the team." She also praised Mareli Muller's vaulting skills and highlighted Makayla Green's achievements despite past injuries.

Illinois will return home next weekend for two meets at Huff Hall: they will face No.16 Ohio State on February 7 at their Self-Love meet and alumni reunion starting at 7 p.m., followed by hosting No.9 Missouri on February 9 at 1 p.m.