Rutgers University
Illinois
Gymnastics Drops Big Ten Opener vs. No. 19 Illinois
Jan 16 | Women's Gymnastics
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers gymnastics scored best on vault for the second consecutive meet, but took a 195.500-191.600 defeat against No. 19 Illinois in its Big Ten opener Saturday at the RAC. It was also the home opener for the Scarlet Knights.
"I thought we started off strong on vault and then performed well on beam," head coach Louis Levine said. "We were right there on two events, but need to continue to work on consistency to put all four together. It was a learning experience and we will get better from it."
After putting up a 48.750 last week on vault, RU bested that with a 48.800 to take the lead after one rotation. Five Scarlet Knights scored at least a 9.700 with senior Nicolette Wilson (Toms River, N.J.) leading the way with a 9.800. Junior April Baker (Andover, Mass.) finished closely behind at 9.775, while sophomore Libby Groden (Abbottstown, N.J.) and junior Claire Jones (Gaffney, S.C.) both registered a 9.750. Freshman Riahanah Ali (Ann Arbor, Mich.) notched a 9.725 in her debut in front of the home fans.
On uneven bars, freshman Michelle Amoresano (Whippany, N.J.) increased her mark from last week to a 9.750 to pace the lineup. Sophomore Elizabeth Nand (Hampton, N.J.) added a 9.600 as the Scarlet Knights totaled a 46.300.
Rutgers had a 48.625 in the third rotation on balance beam. Nand (career-high) and Baker each recorded a 9.775 in the event, with sophomore Makenzey Shank (Phoenix, Ariz.) right there with a 9.750. In addition, senior Claudia Salinas (Allendale, N.J.) continued her consistency in the event with a 9.700.
Senior Emma Hoffman (Union, N.J.) picked up a 9.825 on floor exercise to lead RU in the final rotation, tied for the second-best performance in the meet. Junior Charly Santagado (Celebration, Fla.) had a 9.775, as the team reached 47.875.
For Illinois, Giana O'Connor won the all-around competition with a 39.325.
Rutgers will stay in the Big Ten next Saturday with meet scheduled at Nebraska. It is set to start at 7 p.m. ET.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding women's gymnastics, follow the program on Twitter (@RUGymnastics), Facebook (/RUGymnastics) and Instagram (@rutgersgymnastics).
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