The Fighting Illini women’s gymnastics team took second place at the Big Ten Championships Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich. The home team, No. 14 Michigan, won the conference competition with a score of 196.750. Illinois finished a point behind the Wolverines scoring 195.750 – a season-high score. No. 23 Penn State, No. 17 Michigan State, No. 22 Iowa, No. 25 Minnesota and Ohio State placed third through seventh, respectively.

Leading the way for the Illini was junior Julie Crall, capturing the balance beam title with a score of 9.900. Allison Buckley was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. This is the highest finish Illinois has placed since the 1990 team took the Big Ten Title.