The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) women's basketball team fell to NCAA Division I's Saint Louis University in a 78-40 decision during Friday's exhibition in St. Louis.
 
"We got off to a good start and played with great energy in the first quarter," UIS coach Mark Kost said. "Their size and depth made the difference at that point, but there are many positives we can take from the game. St. Louis is a well-coached team that will have a great year. Playing against high-level competition in an exhibition helps us improve."
 
Tehya Fortune led the Prairie Stars with 14 points. Freshman Lauren Ladowski contributed 10 points. Gabrielle Sanders pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.
 
Val Meissner, Jasmine Sangster, Lanie Hicks and Ellie Mitchell each recorded three points. Myka Roth and Brianna Mefford rounded out UIS's scoring with two points apiece.
 
Ciaja Harbison tallied 16 points for the Billikins. Brooke Flowers posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Amber Lindfors contributed 10 points while Harbison and Kerri McMahan each dished out four assists.
 
Saint Louis drained 32-of-63 (50.8 percent) shots from the field and 5-of-16 (31.3 percent) attempts from 3-point range. UIS was held to 12-of-53 (22.6-percent) shooting and 4-of-17 (23.5 percent) from the perimeter.
 
The Prairie Stars hit 12-of-19 (63.2 percent) attempts from the free-throw line while the Billikins made 9-of-16 (56.3 percent) shots from the charity stripe.
 
UIS opens the regular season in the Purdue Northwest Cross Conference Classic at Westville, Ind. The Prairie Stars take on Tiffin University next Friday at 7 p.m. UIS battles Purdue University Northwest next Saturday at 3 p.m.