Sunday morning brought sunshine and warmer weather, and along with that a much more focused Illinois team that was ready to put together a positive day.
It was almost impossible to not wake up for a round one game against Kansas. Being the last team we faced at Nationals 2010 and a program that we share a colorful history with, Kansas brought out some intensity in the returners which trickled down through the new guys. 2 early breaks put the Illini up 4-2, maintaining that momentum we turned it into 6-2 lead. Kansas is not a team that just gives up, and they showed their grit as they fought to earn 2 breaks back before Illinois took half at 7-5. The second half Illinois was determined to not lose focus. A back and forth second eventually brought the game to 11-11. The next O point was all business for the Illini, and then the D line came out with a very solid break to put end the game 13-11
Round 2 began the tour of regional rivals. The Wisconsin Hodags and Illinois matched up in the quarterfinals. After being a terribly focused team on Saturday, we saw this as a great opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best mentally conditioned teams in the country. A strong start put Illinois up 4-1, but in classic Wisconsin style they came storming back to take the lead 5-4. Wisco would take half 7-5, but despite being down no one on the Illini side doubted that they could still take this game. Fighting with Wisconsin every single point found the Illini losing 10-8 and running out of time before cap went on. A couple monster hucks from each side brought it to 11-9. The Illini hung in this game the whole time but in the end lost 13-10 to our new regional rival.
MagnUM round 3, was the 3rd round game. For the third time in one month Illinois and Michigan would clash. Unfortunately Michigan came into this game frustrated and had struggled the weekend to get to their normal high intensity. Illinois took care of business against this downtrodden Michigan, going up big taking half 7-1. Michigan would try to fight back and got as close as the final score 11-6. I believe everyone on the Illinois side recognizes that the next time we face Michigan they will not roll over as easily.
Final round of 2010 was against Wisconsin Whitewater. The Captains of each team had agreed to play wide open lines and really give the younger guys opportunities. Illinois got out to 4-2, when a marathon point ensued. Thanks to our fearless captain Kennedy for about 6 turnovers on this point as well as a few ridiculous D's by both teams, the point lasted around 20 minutes. I don't believe Illinois won this point but we bounced back to take half at 7-3. From here the game really seemed to crawl until it was 10-4. I kindly informed the K-Train that I was very cold and wanted this game to be put out of its misery. Conveniently getting an early D on the point, Andy "K-Train" Kilinski boosted it for a quick score and quick point. The last 3 points of the game moved at a much better pace and Illinois hit up Wendy's after a 13-5 win.
Fifth place at MLC...acceptable, but not good.
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