Illinois women’s gymnastics prepares for Big Ten Championships in Ohio
Junior Mia Takekawa poses at the end of her floor exercise routine during the competition against Central Michigan, Boise State, and Northern Illinois on March 4. Takekawa has played a major role for the team with recently being named the 2022 All-Team Big Ten.
March 19, 2022
Illinois women’s gymnastics will travel to Columbus, Ohio, to compete in the 2022 Big Ten Championships.
The No. 19 Illinois squad is one of seven Big Ten teams that are ranked in the top-25 nationally.
Illinois finished its regular season with a 5-3 dual meet record, going 2-3 in conference duals with wins over Central Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers and Bowling Green, while losing to Nebraska, No. 8 Minnesota and No. 12 Michigan State.
Last month, the Illini had traveled to Toledo, Ohio for the Big Five Meet, where they placed third behind No. 3 Michigan and No. 16 Ohio State.
At its last meet on Tuesday against Mizzou, Lindenwood and Iowa State, Illinois finished in second place.
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Despite tough competition, the Illini hope that the team can improve from last year’s championship, where they tied with the Hawkeyes for third place.
Junior Mia Takekawa will look to massively contribute to Illinois’ success, having made historic contributions in the month of March.
Takekawa was recently named 2022 All-Team Big Ten for the second time in her career. She also set a new program record in the all-around (39.750) on Senior Day against Bowling Green. The feat earned her Big Ten Gymnast of the Week honors for the third time in her career.
With the help of Takekawa and her teammates, Illinois will be looking to overcome the Big Ten gauntlet. With the sheer skill of the conference on a national level, the Illini will be striving for as close to a perfect meet as possible.
The meet will take place at Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio, at 11 a.m. today.
Watch the meet through the Big Ten Network/FOX Sports here.
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