Many times, getting ready for a trip to Hawaii would consist of packing about five bathing suits and a few pairs of sandals. However, the volleyball team will need to prepare physically and mentally this year: Their trip to Hawaii is for business and it's the next step to an NCAA championship.

The Illinois women's volleyball team heads into the Sweet Sixteen after winning two straight matches 3-0 on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at Huff Hall. The team is hungry for its next win and knows a loss is the end of their season.

"We have a little extra fight because every game we are against the wall, it's very motivating to compete stronger," said senior middle blocker Lisa Argabright.

Already their record speaks volumes for the season they have had, but one thing is missing: a championship. After falling short of the Big Ten title, the Illini must look for redemption at the national championship.

"We are even more hungry because of the extra level of importance," said sophomore Rachel VanMeter. "This past weekend was very important. If we didn't win then we wouldn't be here, but now this one is most important."

Hawaii could be quite imposing. While at the foot of volcanoes and endless beauty, the Illini must try to focus on the nation's No. 2 team. The Rainbow Wahine own a 34-1 record, the nation's best attendance average and the most prolific attacker still on a college campus, Kim Willoughby, who plans on going professional in either volleyball or basketball while averaging 6.5 kills a game.

It could be a lot to handle for any team, but the Illini have been making sure that they are prepared to take on anything.

"Most teams don't do as well when they go to Hawaii," VanMeter said. "But we understand that this is business. We are here to play volleyball and not to go on a sightseeing tour."

Head coach Don Hardin had brought a tournament team into Hawaii before.

"Everywhere you go they are always asking you if you have ever played in front of 10,000 people before," Hardin said. "We are fine with that, as long as they are in their seat and not coming onto the court."

To deal with this type of pressure, the Illini have gone over similar situations in practice and spoke about other tough venues they have visited.

"The environment will have some effect, but we have been in enough tough environments — Wisconsin, Penn State, Minnesota, Ohio State — I think they are ready," Hardin said.

The final factor for the team in Hawaii is what will be going on back home: finals. While the team is focusing on their toughest opponent of the year, back home they will be missing review sessions and possibly exams.

"We have to bring a lot of academics with us on the road, that makes for a high stress level," Argabright said. "We just need to improve on things that we can control, and make sure we are ready for the tests when we get back."