Fresh from posting its highest team score of the season, the No. 5 Michigan women's gymnastics team find itself with little time to rejoice. This is because last week's opponent, No. 1 Georgia, is currently planning its spring break itinerary.
What does this have to do with Michigan? Well, the Bulldogs will begin their vacation in Ann Arbor.
To complete the tail end of a home-and-home series, the Wolverines will get a rematch against Georgia. This time, the Bulldogs will play the role of visitor, as they are welcomed to Crisler Arena on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Last week, the Wolverines had to go into hostile and unfamiliar surroundings, and perform against the best team in gymnastics. They did that pretty well - only losing by .875 points to the defending national champions.
Now, Michigan is expecting greater things - like a victory.
"It's time to take it to the next step," Michigan coach Bev Plocki said.
One thing the Wolverines had to contend with on their recent trip to Athens was more than 7,000 rabid Georgia fans. As hospitable as they were to Michigan, a return favor from the Michigan faithful is surely in order.
"Having a No. 1 ranked team in here, I'm hoping we can get a big crowd. I'm hoping for an upset," Plocki said.
Taking into account Michigan's steady improvement since Feb. 6 at the State of Michigan Classic - where the Wolverines registered six total falls compared to last week's zero - Michigan is definitely capable of toppling a strong Georgia team.
Crisler arena will also provide a perfect backdrop for this finally. And Plocki is hopeful that the team's performance in Athens will carry over to this week.
"The confidence, the momentum that we gained in Georgia will get our kids fired up. Get them believing that much more," she said.
A win at home against the No. 1 team in the country, whom Michigan has never defeated before, will also fire them up - and so will having as many fans as possible there to see it happen.
The entire meet will be taped live and televised at a later date.
Who:
Michigan vs. Georgia
Where:
Cliff Keen Arena
When: 2:00 p.m.
The Latest: The fifth-ranked Wolverines hope to improve their national ranking when they battle the top-ranked Bulldogs.
02-25-99
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