SPRINGFIELD, IL – The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) women's soccer team kick off the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) season this weekend.

SETTING THE SCENE
UIS (2-0-1) is coming off a 1-0 upset victory over Lindenwood University (2-1), which is ranked No. 25 in the latest United Soccer Coaches (USC) NCAA Division II poll.  The Prairie Stars take on William Jewell College (1-0) on Friday at 5 p.m. in Liberty, MO. UIS rounds out the weekend on Sunday by facing off with Truman State University (0-1-1) at 2:30 p.m. in Kirksville, MO.

LOOKING BACK
During the 2016 season, UIS finished 14th in the GLVC conference standings with a 7-11 overall record and a 4-11 record in conference place while William Jewell took 13th with a 4-11-2 overall record and a 4-10-1 conference record.

Truman State put together a 12-1-2 conference record to earn a share of the regular-season conference title. After falling to McKendree University in the GLVC Tournament semifinals, the Bulldogs got revenge by eliminating McKendree in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Truman State was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in the third round by eventual national runner-up, Grand Valley State University. The Bulldogs closed the season with a 15-2-4 overall record.

STARS OF NOTE
Meghan Delaney leads the Prairie Stars with two goals. UIS has also received goals from Emily Matsen, Karisa Rogers and Madisyn Coudriet this season. Kaylan Mills has recorded two assists while Kayla Meyer and Taylor Mraz have each provided an assist.

A LOOK AT THE OPPONENTS
William Jewell topped Missouri Southern State University (0-2) in a 1-0 victory last Sunday. The Cardinals return eight starters from last year's squad, which captured a 2-0 victory over the Prairie Stars.

Truman State started its season with a 1-1 double-overtime draw against Ashland University (1-1-1) last Thursday, followed by a 2-0 loss to Ohio Dominican University (1-1) last Saturday. The Bulldogs return seven starters from last season's roster, including Katie Mattingly, who led the conference in save percentage (.916), goals against average (0.322), shutouts (15) and shutouts per game (.714).

Hanna Burke comes back from last year's squad after tallying six goals and three assists in 2016. Allison Lockett contributed two goals and five assists while Kelsey Murphy notched four goals and four assists.

LOOKING AHEAD
The Prairie Stars face off with nonconference opponent Judson University (0-4) on Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. in Elgin, IL. UIS begins its home schedule next weekend by hosting conference opponents Drury University (2-0-1) on Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. and Missouri S&T (0-1) on Sept. 17 at 12 p.m.

UIS DIVISION II RECORD BOOK WATCH
Rogers sits in a fifth-place tie for career goals (6) and career points (15).

HOW TO WATCH
Friday, Sept. 8: UIS at William Jewell – 5 p.m. (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Sunday, Sept. 10: UIS at Truman State – 2:30 p.m. (Live Video) (Live Stats)