Women’s gymnastics takes second at Illinois Classic

UIC placed second — just 0.3 points behind Illinois — at the annual Illinois Classic Sunday at the UIC Pavilion.

The Flames scored a season-high 194.725, finishing ahead of Northern Illinois and Illinois State.  It was easily the team’s most consistent meet of the season, as their scores on all four events were within 0.150.

“I am so proud of the way the girls competed,” co-head coach Peter Jansson said. “It’s championship time, and they showed up ready for the challenge.”

Mikailla Northern posted a season-high 9.825 on the vault. She finished in a tie for second place.

Serena Baker’s 9.800 was the Flames’ highest score on the bars; she tied for third.

The Flames held the overall lead after two rotations.

Riley Mahoney and Kayla Baddeley tied for team high honors on the beam, each scoring 9.775 and finishing in a five-way tie for fourth.

Northern delivered a spectacular performance on the floor, but her 9.825 was behind two gymnasts who scored 9.850 each.

She was the lone Flame to complete the all-around and scored 39.125 for second place.

The Flames host New Hampshire Sunday in the regular season finale.