A new era of University of Illinois Springfield women's basketball opens up this week at the Prairie Stars Tipoff Classic on Friday and Saturday at TRAC. First-year head coach Casey Thousand will lead UIS against Tiffin and Purdue Northwest.

Thousand, the eighth head coach in program history, will have a veteran roster with 12 returners, including seven seniors. The Prairie Stars return 78 percent of their scoring, including three players that averaged double-figures last year.

For the second straight year, UIS opens up the year at a tournament with Tiffin and Purdue Northwest. Last year, the Prairie Stars went 1-1 with a win over Tiffin and a loss against Purdue Northwest. This year's tipoff event will also include GLVC's McKendree. 

Complete game notes available by clicking here