An injured MSU gymnastics team (12-5) lost a close match to Illinois on Saturday, 194.200-193.275.
The Spartans' strongest event was on the floor, with sophomore Chayla Hill placing first with a score of 9.850 and senior Jennifer Yarbrough tying for second with Illinois' Katie Wild and Kara Kapernekas, scoring 9.825.
"I am pleased with my performance," Hill said. "I am always happy with anything I can do to help out my team."
During the final event of the meet, cheering fans and gymnasts alike were fired up after these winning floor exercises.
"The highlight of the meet was after Jennifer and Chayla's floor routines," senior Kristin Merritt said. "There was a lot of energy, and we really picked it up after the floor."
On the vault, there was a four-way tie for second place between MSU sophomores Victoria Iakounina, Leia Langhoff, Kristen Coleman and Illinois' Dayne Botterman, all scoring 9.700.
With a score of 9.775, MSU junior Sarah Alexander placed second in the balance beam. Yarbrough took third, scoring 9.750.
MSU took both second and third place in the all-around competition. Coleman took second place with a score of 38.350 and Yarbrough took third place, scoring 38.250.
This is the first home match the Spartans have lost this season, but the team recently has been battling sickness and injury. MSU head coach Kathie Klages said she gave the team last Monday and Tuesday off after returning from New Hampshire.
"This is something I have never done my entire time of coaching, especially not in the middle of the season," Klages said.
Klages also has been monitoring the players' numbers in the gym, so they don't overwork themselves or push their injuries further.
"I've had to do it, and sadly, it shows," Klages said.
Although struggling through injuries, the team still has almost an entire season ahead, with four away matches and two at home. In order to qualify for regionals, the Spartans must score well in these meets.
Klages is especially optimistic about their next match this Saturday against Pittsburgh because a few injured players that have been forced to sit out recently will be able to compete again.
"I hope we can stay solid and continue to perform well, even if we are injured or beat up," Klages said.
