The Illinois Science Olympiad division of the Science Team competed in 23 build and test events, placing first in seven individual events at the first invitational, held at Conant High School Dec. 7. 

Out of 44 schools, the U-High varsity team placed first overall in Division C (AA), with 140 points. A low score is better. The JV team followed closely, placing third in Division C (AA) with 251 points.

“Our varsity team won by a large margin, and our JV team beat some of the most competitive varsity teams in the state, so I’m really satisfied with our team,” captain Adi Badlani said.

Adi said that the team still has lots of potential to improve and he has high expectations for the team. 

“Hopefully at state, when our varsity and trial teams compete, we place first or second and advance to nationals,” he said.

The ISO teams will compete in invitationals on Jan. 11 and Feb. 1, before moving on to the regional tournament on March 7.