Illinois and Minnesota to Face Off at Minneapolis Regional

Illinois and Minnesota to Face Off at Minneapolis Regional

Apr 4, 2014 by Amanda Wijangco
Illinois and Minnesota to Face Off at Minneapolis Regional
This year, the Illinois Fighting Illini and Minnesota Golden Gophers will look to place in the top two at the Minneapolis regional in order to qualify to Nationals. They are the No. 2 and No. 3 seed, respectively, behind No. 1 Oklahoma who is highly expected to win. 

Regionals will be the third time this season that Illinois and Minnesota will meet. The first time came in a regular season meet at Minnesota where the Golden Gophers won 196.225-195.350. The last time was at the recent Big Ten Championships. Minnesota beat Illinois for third place overall by .050 with a score of 196.675-196.625.

After losing to the Golden Gophers twice already, the Illini are looking for this third time to be the charm as the Gophers are arguably their direct competition for the second place finish.

Illinois and Minnesota are neck-in-neck in the team rankings nationally as Illinois is ranked No. 11 with an RQS of 196.650 while Minnesota is No. 14 with an RQS of 196.505.

In terms of events, Illinois has an advantage over Minnesota on bars and beam while Minnesota trumps Illinois on vault and floor.

Vault has been one of Illinois's weaker events this season despite setting a new program record of 49.425 earlier this season. The Illini have scored a 49 or above on the event only five times in the regular season. Their floor has been more consistent as they have consistently scored a 49 or above for their last seven meets.

While both teams have their weaker events, both fortunately end on one of their stronger ones. Illinois will end on beam, and Minnesota will end on floor in typical home fashion. 

Gymnastics is an unpredictable sport. Last year at Regionals, Illinois was the No. 3 seed and beat out No. 2 Nebraska and secured their spot at Nationals with a strong performance on beam. Perhaps Illinois will replicate its success from last year, or perhaps Minnesota will replicate the success Illinois has last year as the No. 3 seed.

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