As the theme to "The Addams Family" played on, junior Penn State gymnast Bridget Foley smiled brightly with every energetic flip and solid landing. When it was over, Foley proudly crossed her arms over her chest and pointed her toes skyward to cap off what the audience believed to be a perfect performance in Saturday's win over Illinois.

At the end of the routine, the audience gave a standing ovation, continuing until Foley stepped out on the floor again and waved to the Rec Hall crowd in appreciation.

Illinois' Stacy Redmond then began her balance beam routine, forced to ride the emotion created by Foley. The crowd anxiously awaited Foley's score. When the judges finally posted it -- a 9.7 -- the crowd offered its disappointment, filling Rec Hall with thunderous moans and groans.

But Foley was not the least bit disturbed.

"It doesn't matter," she said."I was so happy because it was the first time that I was so aggressive."

Penn State posted its first win Saturday in Rec Hall by defeating Illinois 191.475 to 187.050. In addition to Foley's performance, freshman Joanna Knox and senior tri-captain Tracy Kerner contributed impressive routines in the Lady Lions' victory.

In her first meet ever, Knox placed first in the all-around competition with a score of 38.5. She tallied a 9.8 on the vault, a 9.35 on the bars, a 9.625 on the beam and a 9.725 on the floor.

"I was hoping I could do what I've done in practice," said Knox. "And I was suprised that I did."

If practice does make perfect, it couldn't have been more obvious. While Knox was surprised, her performance was just what Coach Steve Shephard expected.

"She had a great debut as a freshman. I was very impressed," Shephard said. "That's why we recruited her."

Almost as impressive was Kerner, who scored a 9.4 on the balance beam. Kerner received a .2 reduction because her routine continued over the alloted time.

"It wasn't the best routine that I have ever done," said Kerner. "But it turned out OK in the end. I just stuck with it the whole way through."

Kerner said she also enjoyed pleasing the crowd with a floor routine performed to the music of the Blue Band. Kerner finished with a 9.75 on her floor routine and a 9.85 on the uneven bars.

The performance of senior tri-captain Kerry Slattery was somewhat of a surprise. After falling, Slattery received an 8.75 on the uneven bars and an 8.2 on her floor routine. Her best performance of the night was a 9.4 on the balance beam.

"I've been training with a bad ankle," Slattery said. "I need to be more healthy so that I can train better and be ready to go."