The nationally-ranked Illinois State gymnastics team (No.20) will return to competition after a two week break in their competitive schedule to host Illinois-Chicago on Sunday night at 6 p.m. in Horton Fieldhouse.
Illinois-Chicago has averaged just over 193 points this season while Illinois State has averaged 194.245 points per meet. The Birds were previously ranked No. 16, but a break from competition, coupled with an illness-ridden loss at the Cat Classic in Missouri, served to lower their ranking.
The time off, however, may prove to be beneficial to the Redbirds after all, according to head coach Jill Hollembeak. Bodies were sore and tired (after the last meet) so we really needed the break.
Illinois-Chicago has maintained a busy competitive schedule so far this season, competing once or twice a week in most cases. The UIC Flames may be battling fatigue on Sunday as they will arrive in Normal fresh off of a meet against Illinois in Champaign on Friday night.
Both Illinois State and Illinois-Chicagos records currently stand at 6-4, with both schools winning every dual meet they have entered this season (2-0 and 3-0 respectively).
The Redbirds, who have consistently scored higher than the Flames in competition this season, have also remained undefeated at home and hope to continue that winning streak this weekend.
We have tough competitors this weekend, said Hollembeak. UIC is always strong but as a team, were feeling good and aiming for consistent performances this weekend. The break was good but now were ready to move full speed ahead.
