The Illinois women’s gymnastics team strode into Michigan State ready to compete in its season opener Friday night, where the No. 16 Fighting Illini turned in a solid performance in the four-rotation competition.

Competing against No. 8 Michigan, No. 17 Michigan State, and Western Michigan, the Illini took second place. Powerhouse Michigan bested the Illini by less than a point, 194.850 to 193.950.

Several key gymnasts for the Illini were out for the meet due to injury. Last year’s All-American Allison Buckley missed the season opener, along with senior Lindsey Smith, sophomore Samantha Perino, and freshman Alyssa Harmon.

A stand out in the meet was Illinois freshman Kelsey Joannides who led the field in the balance beam, posting a score of 9.850. She also competed all-around in her first collegiate appearance.

Senior Marijka Bottermann performed strongly in all four events, posting an impressive 39.1 overall score out of a perfect 40.0. Botterman went against her younger sister Kylee, who is a sophomore on Michigan’s team. The sisters tied for first in the vault and Marijka topped her sister in the beam.

The quad meet will be televised by the Big Ten Network on a tape-delayed basis on Friday, Jan. 16 at 7 P.M. The ladies will have one week before the No. 13-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions come to Champaign on Jan. 17.