FINDLAY, OH --- The University of Illinois Springfield women's soccer team opened up the 2017 campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the University of Findlay. Meghan Delaney scored in her first collegiate game before Karisa Rogers scored the game-winning goal in the 74^th minute.

The Prairie Stars (1-0) opened the season on the road against Findlay (0-1), who finished last season with a 5-11-1 record. The Oilers got on the board first in the 23^rd minute, beating sophomore goalkeeper Courtney Johnson to take the early lead.

However, it was all UIS from then on, as Delaney --- in her UIS and collegiate debut --- scored less than two minutes later to tie the game. The goal came on a pass from Kaylan Mills, as the senior set-up the freshman to tie the match.

UIS outshot Findlay 9-to-6 in the opening half and held a 2-to-1 advantage on corners as well.

In the second half, the Prairie Stars went ahead in the 74^th minute when Rogers put one over the goalkeepers reach to net the eventual game-winning goal. The goal came off a pass from Kayla Meyer, a freshman from St. Louis, Missouri.

Findlay responded with consecutive shots on goal in the following minutes though, but Johnson was there to turn away both shots.

Both Rogers and Taylor Mraz had three total shots with two on goal, while Madisyn Coudriet fired two shots, both of which needed to be stopped. Delaney scored on her lone shot of the day while Meyer and Mills each added an assist each.

Johnson picked up her first win of the season, stopping five shots.

The Prairie Stars will conclude their opening weekend on Saturday when they take on Tiffin University.

PRAIRIE STAR NOTES: Second year head coach, Erin Egolf, wins her second straight season opener … The Prairie Stars are now 5-1-1 in their last seven season openers … Rogers now has six career goals, moving to a tie for fifth all-time in UIS Division II history …  Mills notched her first career assist on the game-winning goal.