Performing before a packed Hornets Nest Sacramento State’s gymnastics team slipped just short of victory, losing by less than a tenth of a point to Illinois State 192.825 to 192.800. A pair of falls in the last two rotations cost the Hornets a chance to win their first home meet of the season. Starting off the meet on the vault, the team was solid all-around with all six scoring members earning over a 9.500, led by senior Marina Borisova’s score 9.750. Borisova once again led or tied the Hornets in every event, winning the all-around event for the second time in three weeks. Illinois State scored just slightly higher overall on the vault due to Meaghan Koshman scoring a 9.775, the only score that was higher than Borisova score in any event. “It feels good like always, getting flowers, getting recognition,” said Borisova. The team flourished in its next rotation onto the uneven bars, collectively outperforming Illinois State and drawing cheers from the stands with different techniques from each member. Borisova drew the loudest cheer of the night and got a standing ovation flying off the uneven bars with a high spinning twist ending with a perfect landing. Her score of 9.850 was the highest overall score of the meet. The most lopsided event started the second half when the team rotated to the balance beam. Traci Takeda started off with a series of back flips, jumps and ended with an impressive landing, earning a 9.775 and a crowd reaction. Sacramento State had the four highest scores on the beam but also two of the three lowest due to falls off the beam. “Overall it was good. We had to count two falls. It was a little frustrating,” said coach Kim Hughes. “Tonight unfortunately we weren’t as consistent.” Sacramento State had a small lead rotating into the floor exercise to end the meet but also had it’s lowest event score, with Illinois State having only one member have a fall while the Hornets had two falls. “On the floor we were a little flat,” said Hughes. Injuries continue to plague the Hornets as two members have Achilles injuries and were unable to compete. Alycia Chan has a sprained Achilles and will need a MRI while Chantal Angyal has a torn Achilles and is out for the season. “Were capable of so much, were doing really well so far,” said Eryn Stubblefield. On the balance beam Stubblefield tied Borisova for the highest mark with a 9.800 in the event but also had one of the team’s falls. The Hornets will start a back-to-back against San Jose State on the road starting Feb. 6. and come home to face the Spartans once again on Feb. 15.