OTAHKS POST SEASON-BEST SCORE IN LOSS TO ILLINOIS

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics team bettered its previous season-high score by more than two points but the Otahkians still fell to the University of Illinois on Saturday in front of 348 fans in Champaign.

Illinois totaled a 194.250, topping Southeast's 191.200. The Otahkians' previous best was a 188.825.

Eleven Otahkians recorded season highs, and Southeast had season highs as a team in each of the four events.

Illinois' Gina Wiechmann won the all-around with a 39.025 and Southeast's Malia Roberts was second (38.650).

On bars, Roberts placed third with a 9.825. She was also third on beam (9.800).

The Otahkians' Erin Chenier won vault with a 9.775 and Southeast's Kathy Smith and Amanda Gdovicak tied Kim Berres for second (9.700).