Gymwomen floor Illinois with help from rowdy Rec Hall crowd

Primed to compete for the first time this season in Rec Hall's familiar, boxy enclosure and dim lighting, the team electrified an already high-energy crowd and gave it a Saturday night performance to remember.

Leading Illinois comfortably for the entire night, the Lady Lions finally exploded during the competition's last half hour when they took to the floor exercise and proved just how much energy they could have in a 194.9-191.925 win.

"The home crowd makes the meet," junior Janae Whittaker said. "I think the high point may have been when everyone was nailing floor. The crowd really gets into floor."

After seeing a trio of career-high scores on the floor by freshman Gemma Cuff (9.875), sophomore Nikki Smith (9.875) and senior Missy Leopoldus (9.925), the crowd was treated to a snappy exhibition routine that may have sparked every Penn Stater's pride.

Performing to a mix of Penn State fight songs, senior Joanna Knox ignited the crowd and gave it just one more reason to cheer before the night was over.

The expression on Knox's face told the story.

"It's just a feeling," she said with a slight breathlessness, her face gleaming with sweat. "You can't describe it, except that it's your crowd at Rec Hall and everyone is cheering for you.

"It seems like the crowd was a lot more into it than last year."

While Smith doesn't have the three years of competitive experience in Rec Hall that Knox has, her awareness of what Penn State's home gym can mean to a performance is no less.

"There's just something about Rec Hall and the crowd," she said. "It's one of the best feelings to ever have -- to compete well on floor in Rec Hall."

Standing in a clump of parents and friends, Smith explained not only her appreciation for the crowd but her gratitude to those who have competed before her as well.

"It is such an honor to compete well in front of all the alumni," she said, "and to show that we are keeping on with tradition in gymnastics . . . "

Smith wasn't done speaking, but someone had asked her another question.

"Will you sign this?" a meek voice asked. A girl with a long, blond pony tail had wiggled her way next to Smith and stood before her with pen in hand.

"I'm sorry," Smith said. "What's your name?"