SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The Prairie Stars (5-7, 0-4) have dropped four straight matches as they head into the second weekend of a four game road trip. After getting off to the best eight game start in program history --- going 5-3 in those matches --- UIS has dropped four straight GLVC matches, two at home and two on the road. The Prairie Stars will look to reverse that trend this weekend as they face off against Bellarmine (10-3, 1-3) and Southern Indiana (6-7, 1-3).

SETTING THE SCENE
These three teams currently occupy the fifth through seventh spots in the GLVC east, making this weekend crucial for possible post-season bids. Additionally, in the second year of a two-year schedule cluster, these three teams will meet again in the final weekend of the regular season in Springfield.

UIS came off a tough five-set loss to Quincy at home before traveling to William Jewell and #25 Rockhurst last weekend. UIS fell in three sets in each of those two matches, in their first true road test of the season.

GLVC RANKS
Alyssa Hasler an Alli Splitt continue to dominate the middle, ranking eighth and ninth in hitting percentage, respectively. Hasler is hitting at a .303 rate, while Splitt comes into the match hitting at .301.

Courtney Schutt ranks sixth in the GLVC in service aces, tallying 15 on the year. Along with her hitting percentage, Hasler also ranks seventh in the conference in blocks per set, averaging 1.02, but ranks fourth in total blocks with 46 on the year.

Hitting Percentage
                4. Bellarmine (.210)
                13. Illinois Springfield (.168)
                15. Southern Indiana (.165)

Opponent Hitting Percentage
                1. Bellarmine (.139)
                7. Illinois Springfield (.174)
                12. Southern Indiana (.199)

Blocks
                6. Illinois Springfield (1.87/set)
                10. Southern Indiana (1.77/set)
                11. Bellarmine (1.75/set)

# represents team rank in GLVC
 
SCOUTING BELLARMINE
The Knights (10-3, 1-3) began the season by winning their first eight games, going undefeated in their two tournaments. They opened up conference play by falling to Rockhurst and William Jewell at home before heading on the road to split with Quincy and Truman State.

The Knights hold a 2-3 record against like opponents as UIS, as they beat Ohio Valley 3-0, just as UIS did in the season opener.

UIS holds a 2-4 record all-time against the Knights, winning both contest last year.

Leaders:
                -Kills: Margaret Horihan (158) – 2^nd in GLVC
                -Assists: Allie Muha (418) – 5^th in GLVC
                -Digs: Jordyn Kuchenbrod (318) – 1^st in GLVC
                - Blocks: Bridget Guinane (42)
                -Aces: Jordyn Kuchenbrod (22) – 2^nd in GLVC

SCOUTING SOUTHERN INDIANA
Southern Indiana (6-7, 1-3) enters the weekend having lost four of their last five matches and their last three conference matches. After sweeping William Jewell in their first GLVC match of the year, they fell to Rockhurst in five sets before dropping road matches to Truman State and Quincy.

The Screaming Eagles swept through their first tournament of the year and have since gone 2-7.

UIS holds a 1-5 record all-time against Southern Indiana, winning the final match last year 3-2 at home.

Leaders:
                -Kills: Mikaila Humphrey (117)
                - Assists: Quin Shoultz (219) / Erika Peoples (217)
                - Digs: Shannon Farrell (247)
                - Blocks: Te-Ayla Whitfield (44)
                - Aces: Shannon Farrell (14)

COMING UP NEXT
After completing a four-game road swing, UIS will return home for three consecutive games beginning next Tuesday with McKendree University. The Prairie Stars will then welcome in Saint Joseph's College and the University of Indianapolis for homecoming weekend on Friday, October 7^th and Saturday October 8^th. This will be the final week of competition prior to the Crossover Tournament in Aurora, Illinois.