The No. 16 Illinois women’s gymnastics team defended their unofficial state championship title Saturday night at the State of Illinois Classic in Chicago.

With a score of 196.450, the Illini posted their second-best score of the season and the second-best score in school history beating Northern Il…The No. 16 Illinois women’s gymnastics team defended their unofficial state championship title Saturday night at the State of Illinois Classic in Chicago.

With a score of 196.450, the Illini posted their second-best score of the season and the second-best score in school history beating Northern Illinois (194.925), Illinois Chicago (194.800) and Illinois State (193.275).

Junior Sarah Schmidt started the meet off strong, tying her career best in the uneven-bars with a score of 9.900 and winning the title. On the beam, Illinois tied its school record of 49.175 that was set earlier this season. Buckley tied for the event title equaling her personal best and the second best score in school history with a 9.925.

The Illini earned their best score of the season and the third best in program history with a 49.325 on the floor. Senior Julie Crall and sophomore Melissa Fernandez were out for injury causing the Illini to have five all-arounders who took the first four places in the competition.

Next Saturday the Illini will host the Big Ten Championships at Huff Hall where they hope to win their first conference crown since 1990.