The University of Illinois Springfield women's basketball team begins one of its most anticipated seasons in its NCAA era this weekend at the Midwest Region Crossover in Lebanan, Ill. The Prairie Stars will open against Purdue Northwest on Friday, followed by a Saturday game against Tiffin.

The Prairie Stars finished last year with a 10-11 record during their GLVC-only schedule. That was the best season for the Prairie Stars since joining the league. 

UIS returns eight players, including two all-conference stars, from that team, and bring back over 80 percent of its scoring.

UIS has opened its season versus Purdue Northwest and Tiffin in each of the last two non-COVID years. UIS has split with Purdue Northwest in those games, and it has won both games against Tiffin.