CHICAGO – The UIC women's gymnastics team will kick off the 2017 campaign on Friday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. CT with a road dual at Michigan State. The meet will be the first of four consecutive road meets for the Flames.

2016 MIC Newcomer of the Year Mikailla Northern begins her second season competing all-around with the Flames, alongside fellow sophomore all-around competitor Jenna Squillo. Seniors Emily DeCesare, Nicole Szabo and Nikki Woodruff look to anchor the young squad, with 15 of its 21 members in the freshmen and sophomore classes.
  
UIC received 35 points in The National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women (NACG/C) preseason poll, more than any of its fellow Midwest Independent Conference competitors. The Flames closed out last season in fifth at the MIC Championships.

The Spartans placed seventh last season at the Big Ten Championships, and were slotted eighth in the Big Ten Women's Gymnastics Preseason Coaches' Poll. Senior Kira Frederick and sophomore Anna Gamelo were named as the Spartans' Gymnasts to watch in 2017, with Frederick returning as a member of last season's Big Ten All-Championships team and Gamelo earning MSU's Kathryn Mahoney Award last year.

UIC last faced Michigan State on Feb. 22, 2015, falling 194.850-191.150. The Flames set five personal-best scores while tying another two in the loss.