HILLSDALE, MI --- The Prairie Stars opened the 2016-17 campaign with a 74-63 win over the Lake Superior State Lakers behind 18 points and 19 rebounds from Syerra Cunningham. The Prairie Stars (1-0) trailed 28-26 at the half before tying the game after three quarters and then using a 25-point fourth quarter to close out the win.

UIS held the Lakers to just eight points in the second quarter to cut a nine-point deficit to just two before exploding for 48 points in the second half to take home their first opening day victory since the 2010-11 season.

Cunningham led all players in points and rebounds, grabbing nine boards on the offensive side to add to ten defensive rebounds. The senior was 6-of-11 from the field and 6-of-9 from the charity stripe in 27 minutes on the court.

Four Prairie Stars scored in double-figures on the night as Caroline Kelty dropped 13 points and four assists while grabbing six boards. Shelbi Patterson and Airiana Smith each added ten points as Smith was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field including two from deep.

UIS shot just under 50 percent in the second half, which aided their big run. On the flip side, UIS held the Lakers to just 30.77 percent in each half and forced eight turnovers.
Cunningham's 19 rebounds are the most in a single-game in UIS history, breaking the previous record of 17, which Cunningham also owned. Cunningham had nine double-doubles last season and begins this year with the most impressive one of all.

UIS will return to the hard wood tomorrow at 6 pm to take on the host school, Hillsdale. UIS fell to the Chargers last season in the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge in what was the first game of the season.