Jan. 29, 2005

Complete Results

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Freshman Sasha Sullivan (Glen Allen, Va.) won her first career all-around title and Pioneer gymnasts won three of the four events as the ninth-ranked University of Denver gymnastics team defeated Illinois, 195.025 - 194.150 Saturday night in front of 1,241 fans at Huff Hall. Denver's win improves the Pioneers to 7-2 on the season while Illinois drops to 7-2.

Sullivan captured her first all-around title with a 38.925, outdistancing teammate Heather Huffaker (DeSoto, Texas), who finished second with a 38.600. Sullivan also won her third floor exercise title of the season as shared top honors with a score of 9.85.

Sophomore Casey Dobyns (Woodinville, Wash.) won her second consecutive vault title - and third of the season - with a 9.9, her fourth score of 9.9 or higher this season. Freshman Courtney Butler (Naperville, Ill.) finished second with a 9.85 and Huffaker finished fifth as the Pioneers, ranked third in the nation entering the weekend, scored a 49.025.

Butler was exceptional on uneven bars and just missed out on her second career title. She tied her career-high with a 9.85 and finished second behind Illinois' Cara Pomeroy, who won with a 9.875. Junior Alisha Stephenson (Boulder, Colo.) and Huffaker both finished in a three-way tie for third at 9.725 as Denver tied its season-high score with a 48.500.

The Pioneers posted a 48.975 floor exercise score behind Sullivan and Huffaker, who tied for the title at 9.85. Sophomore Gretchen Goerlitz (Neenah, Wis.) finished third with a 9.8 and Dobyns finished fifth with a 9.775.

Sophomore Cassidy Willingham (Mountain View, Calif.) was Denver's high finisher on balance beam with a 9.75 to finish third.

The Pioneers are next in action next Saturday, Feb. 5 when they host the annual Burnsley Invitaional by welcoming in Iowa State at 6 p.m. MST in Hamilton Gymnasium. 2004 Olympic gold medalist Carly Patterson will be Denver's special guest of honor.