Evansville, IN --- The Prairie Stars, under the direction of first year head coach Erin Egolf, started the 2016 campaign on a high note, beating Kentucky Wesleyan 5-0. Illinois Springfield was led by Alena Eitenmiller, who scored twice in the win. This marks the fifth time in seven years that the Prairie Stars have opened the season with a win or a tie.

UIS outshot the Wildcats 26-to-3 on the night including a 10-to-2 advantage in shots on goal. Eitenmiller netted the first goal of the season with just under 28 minutes remaining in the opening half, taking a pass from Emily Matsen and giving UIS the early lead.

The Prairie Stars took the 1-0 lead into the half but it wouldn't stay that way for long. Jasmine Rea scored just 19 second into the second half, assisted by Erin Bolskar. Maggie Juhlin added her first goal in the 62^nd minute before Eitenmiller tagged on her second of the night in the 71^st minute. Sam Morin closed out the scoring in the 76^th minute, again assisted by Matsen.

Courtney Johnson started in goal for the Prairie Stars and made two saves before being replaced by Paloma Guijarro, who played 24 minutes of shutout goaltending.

The five goals for UIS is the most goals in a game since September 7^th of 2013 against Hannibal – LaGrange. The Prairie Stars will head back to the field on Sunday against the University of Findlay in another neutral site match-up on the campus of Southern Indiana. The game is slated to start at 11:30 am.