After winning their home opener against Nebraska, the Illini are gearing up for back-to-back sessions against Michigan State on Thursday and Friday.

“It’s a different kind of challenge this week in terms of the format because we’re going two days,” head coach Sue Novitsky said. “So it will be a good test to be able to maintain our focus and intensity over the course of two days.” For the Illini, there are many factors that will determine the outcome of the meet.

“Making sure they’re working on getting done on Thursday, they’re working on their recovery nutrition and going to bed at night, so they’re able to come back fresh and ready the next day,” Novitsky said. “One of the other things we always try to do is be the best team on deck and cheer for their teammates and that will be a good test of how we’re able to carry that out in more than one meet.”

Despite the challenges that come with the two-day format, the Illini are excited to get into the pool and compete again. While Michigan State lost Friday to Minnesota in a close meet, 164-132, the Illini are coming into the meet with momentum from their win against Cornhuskers.

“Nebraska got us the momentum going for the season,” senior Ali Keehn said. “We’re really confident going into Big Ten play. I really think we’re going to be ready for Michigan State and beating them. Beating Nebraska is going to boost our confidence level.”

Illinois had several strong finishes throughout the meet against Nebraska, winning nine out of 16 events. One races to keep an eye on is the 100-yard backstroke, in which the team swept the first four spots against Nebraska.

Individuals to watch include senior Marissa Clapp, who broke the facility record Friday in the 200-yard individual medley. She also won her two other races, the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke.

Keehn is another swimmer looking to make a splash. Against Nebraska, she took first place in three out of her four events, the 100-yard and 200-yard butterfly, and was a part of the winning 200-yard medley relay.

While the win against Nebraska provides momentum for the meet against Michigan State, there is also the added benefit of competing at home.

“They’re competing at home, so you always want to protect your home pool. I think they got a good taste of what competition is like,” Novitsky said. “They’re pretty excited because it is a Big Ten team coming in here. We did lose to them last year and the returning people are thinking about that a little bit and hopefully get the win back and compete hard.”

The Illini fell to Michigan State, 157-141, last season.

“I think it’s going be a really close meet, but we’re all ready to go,” Keehn said.