The University of Illinois Springfield women's soccer team heads into the fourth weekend of conference play preparing for two home games. The Prairie Stars face Southwest Baptist on Friday at 5 p.m. to kick off Homecoming, and Drury on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. in the annual Pink Game for Breast Cancer Awareness.
UIS (3-3-3, 3-2)
UIS currently is 5th in the GLVC standings after winning their only game last weekend.
Sunday's matchup was the only game of the week for the Prairie Stars, and they were more than ready for the challenge. A slow start to the game ended in a historical 7-1 victory against the Hawks. There were seven different goalscorers for the Stars, as four players netted their first goal of the season. The seven goal scorers were; Dani Auble (33:16), Katelynn Ward (43:02), Madison Grandys (53:17), Abby Dellamorte (57:44), Sierra Cenek (78:36), Avery Harrison (82:47), and Carolyne Mathenia (84:19). Assists were also registered by Abby Dellamorte (2), Katelynn Ward (2), Emily Tully, and Katelyn Cavanaugh. The Prairie Stars dominated the whole game as they outshot the Hawks 27-6 with an 18-1 advantage of shots on goal.
Southwest Baptist (3-6-2, 1-4-1)
The Bearcats currently sit 12th in the GLVC standings after picking up their first conference points of the season last weekend.
On Friday the Bearcats hosted Truman State, and emerged with their first conference victory of the season. A very close game was edged by Southwest Baptist with a goal from Julia Johnson in the 60th minute. SBU had the advantage as they fired off 10 shots compared to TSU's 3, with a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal.
On Sunday SBU hosted Upper Iowa in what turned out to be an extremely competitive match as both teams earned a point. The scoring started early as Ashlynn Robinson scored for the Bearcats after two minutes. UIU would battle back and score the equalizer in the 37th minute. The second-half was the same story as SBU once again took the lead in the 55th minute from a penalty kick. In the 78th minute the game turned as SBU's starting goalkeeper, Ashlynn Edison, was shown a straight red card. Upper Iowa would take advantage of the extra person as they once again equalized with less than a minute left, leaving the final score 2-2.
Tamerra Gantt leads the Bearcats on the year with 3 goals and 2 assists. Both Ashlynn Robinson and Savannah Green have registered 2 goals on the year as well.
UIS vs. Southwest Baptist History
UIS is currently 4-0 against the Bearcats, with all matches being played since SBU joined the GLVC in 2019. Last year's match saw the Prairie Stars emerge victorious with a 5-0 win in Bolivar. The other three times the two have met, UIS has won 2-1.
Drury (8-1-1, 5-0-1)
The Panthers come into the weekend atop the GLVC standings after a two-win weekend at home.
On Friday night against Upper Iowa, the Panthers showed why they are one of the top teams in the conference with an emphatic 5-1 win. A dominant first half from the Panthers saw them score four goals, with the first coming only 1:12 into the match. Drury outshot UIU 18-7 with an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal. Danielle Buker registered four points in the match as she scored a goal and provided two assists.
Sunday's match was another that was dominated by the Panthers, but not shown on the scoreboard. Two second half goals from GLVC Offensive Player of the Week Kourtney Tucker and Elsa Gonzalez pushed the Panthers to another win. The Panthers fired off 36 shots compared to Truman's 3. Drury registered 10 shots on target to TSU's 3.
Drury currently has six separate players that have scored 2 or more goals on the year with five players providing 2 or more assists as well. Both of the reigning GLVC Players of the Week are Panthers, as Kourtney Tucker was honored as Offensive Player of the Week and Kaitlin Knetzke won the Defensive Player of the Week award.
The Panthers travel to Quincy on Friday night before Sunday's matchup in Springfield.
UIS vs. Drury History
UIS currently holds a 2-9-3 record against Drury. Last year the Prairie Stars and Panthers battled to a 0-0 draw in Springfield, Missouri. The last win for the Stars against the Panthers came in 2018.
Up Next
The Stars continue GLVC play as they travel to play William Jewell (10/13) and Rockhurst (10/15).
Homecoming
UIS Athletics looks forward to welcoming alumni back to campus for Homecoming weekend. Join Alumni and Friends of all ages for Oktoberfest hospitality in celebration of the UIS soccer programs on Friday at the games. Complimentary Oktoberfest-themed foods will accompany traditional concession stand items. Fireworks will follow the conclusion of the men's soccer match.
Campus Events and Celebrations
