Jan. 11, 2003

Chicago, Ill. - Last season was one to remember for the UIC women's gymnastics team.

Last year's edition of the Flames set a school record for team scoring, broke individual school records and advanced to the NCAA South Central Regional in Tempe, Arizona.

This year, co-head coaches Peter and Mary Jansson are looking for more of the same.

They'll get their first look at the 2003 Flames in sunny California, as UIC travels to Cal State Fullerton to tangle with the host Titans and Utah State on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. pacific time.

"We are excited to start our season and to compete against this competition," said Peter Jansson. "These are two very good teams so this will be a good measuring stick for us at this point."

Both the Titans and Aggies advanced to the NCAA Regional last year, as the Flames finished just behind Cal State Fullerton to wrap-up the 2002 ledger.

Without a senior on the roster, the Flames will look to juniors Atlin Mitchell and Megan Fey, along with sophomore Jamie Grabowski to lead the way in 2003.

Sophomores Jennifer O'Neil, Alyson Cacciatore and Stacey Magiera all gained valuable postseason experience last year and will be counted on for high scores this season.

The Flames also welcome a powerful group of newcomers to the West Side in Holly Bruhn, Regine Charron, Jackie Jaworowicz and Veronique Meunier.