HUME — After losing to Shiloh last week by 30 points in the Comet Classic, the Illineks looked to avenge their defeat to this powerhouse team in a rematch Tuesday night.

Although they fell 73-50 in the nonconference road match, the Illineks had a number of positives to take away from the game.

Uni already started out the season with a small varsity squad of seven players who made up the regular rotation. Unfortunately the Illineks were without starting senior guard Michelle Wong for last night's game due to an ankle injury.

But Uni went in ready to fight hard for the win. Senior Erika Belmont stepped up and filled in Wong's spot by contributing 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

Continuing her spectacular rookie season, freshman Emma Hoyer led the Illineks with 18 points and 17 rebounds. Sophomore Jamie Blue was right behind with 15 points and also added five rebounds and three assists. Seniors Rachel Harmon and Maritza Mestre chipped in four and two points, respectively.

Although the team played much better than one week ago, the Illineks could not come up with a victory. The girls had a solid performance in the first quarter, trailing the host Raiders only 15-14 at the end of eight minutes, and even at one point in the second quarter tied the game.

But then the Raiders took control and went into halftime ahead 40-25. Although the Illineks outscored Shiloh 13-10 in the third quarter, they could not catch up. They trailed 50-38 as the final quarter began, and the Raiders put the game away with a 23-12 run.

The loss is the Illineks' third in a row after a 4-0 start. Despite the defeat, Uni's performance last night shows that the team has improved and is starting to work well together.

The girls face Villa Grove in a nonconference road game Thursday.