SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The Prairie Stars (4-7, 0-1) opened up Great Lakes Valley Conference play with a thrilling match against Southern Indiana (13-7, 1-0), falling 5-4. Five of the six singles matches went to three sets while two of the three doubles matches went to tie-break. UIS trailed 2-1 after doubles but had a chance to win in the final match, but came up short against the Screaming Eagles.

To begin the day in doubles, Cole Buehnerkemper and Logan Burgess-Hayes won in epic fashion, coming from 7-4 down to win the final five points, taking the match 9-7. Christian Timm and Parker Featherston had a chance to win, serving for the match, but were best 9-7 in the third slot. Sam Clarke and David Perez fell 8-4 in the two hole.

In singles play, the two teams were as equal as you could get, having five of the six matches played to three sets. Buehnerkemper, back in the number one slot, fell 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 after a hard fought first set victory. Clarke and Perez picked up their senior teammate though, each beating their opponent in three sets as well, Clarke 7-6, 0-6, 6-1 and Perez 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Burgess-Hayes tied the match for UIS with a come from behind 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory after Featherston was bested 4-6, 4-6. With the match on the line, Grant Fitzsimmons took the first set 6-3 but fell 3-6 in the second, pushing the match to a decisive third set. After breaking his opponent early, Fitzsimmons was down 5-3 but broke his opponent to keep the match going. Serving to tie the match, Fitzsimmons dropped a tough third set, falling 6-4.

UIS will continue with GLVC play next Friday when they host McKendree University at Washington Park. First-serve is set for 2:00 pm.