The University of Illinois Springfield women's soccer team needed to defeat Parkside and the weather on Thursday night at Kiwanis Stadium. The Prairie Stars took care of both in a season-opening 1-0 victory.
 
Abby Dellamorte scored the game's only goal. In the 30th minute, she stole the ball on the Parkside side of the field. She dribbled to the middle, and then ripped a shot from outside the box. It went just past the Rangers goalie and into the left side of the goal.
 
UIS's biggest issue after that came from a lengthy lightning delay with just over 20 minutes remaining in the game. The Prairie Stars were able to wait it out though, and then did not allow another shot for the rest of the game.
 
UIS outshot the Rangers by a 12-4 margin, including 5-2 in shots on goal. Dellamorte provided most of the team's chances with six shots and three shots on goal. Allison Mirimanian earned the shutout in goal, needing to make just two saves in the game.
 
The Prairie Stars will return to action on Saturday at noon when they host Tiffin.