After opening up the season with a road loss against Nebraska, the Illinois women’s swimming and diving team hits the road for Michigan.

In the weekend trip, the Illini head to Coach Sue Novitsky’s alma mater, Oakland University, Friday and then Michigan State on Saturday.

Novitsky said she looks forward to returning to her old stomping grounds.

“It’s always fun,” Novitsky said. “A lot of my family will be at the meet as well, so it will be nice to see them and give them the opportunity to see my team compete.”

In addition to Oakland, the University of Toledo will also be at the tri-meet.

This is the sixth time in eight years that the Illini have traveled to Rochester, Mich., to face the Grizzlies of Oakland University.

After the graduation of key seniors Barbie Viney and Meghan Farrell, there are many opportunities for players to step up and compete for positions on the relay teams.

“The biggest thing is going to be not trying to replace that class right away,” Novitsky said.

“It’s going to take time, and we just have to be patient with them,” she added.

The Big Ten schedule will kick off with the Spartans on Saturday.

It will also be the first competition of the season for Michigan State.

Novitsky and the Illini will be focusing on the details and gaining more experience for the young team.