The University of Illinois Springfield volleyball team kicked off their season with a pair of commanding victories at the Hilltopper Classic on Thursday. The Prairie Stars controlled both matches from start to finish in their 2-0 start to the 2024 season.

UIS 3 | PNW 0

• Set 1: UIS hit .367 with 16 kills on 30 attempts, while Purdue Northwest posted 12 kills with a .258 hitting percentage. The Prairie Stars took the opening set 25-20
• Set 2: The Prairie Stars remained strong, hitting .300 with 13 kills, again winning 25-20. Purdue Northwest managed 14 kills but was unable to break through the UIS defense
• Set 3: The Prairie Stars delivered their most dominant performance in the final set, hitting an impressive .435 with 13 kills and only 3 errors, cruising to a 25-12 victory. Purdue Northwest was limited to just 6 kills with a .120 hitting percentage
• The UIS offense was led by Makenna Cox, who tallied an outstanding 22 kills on 32 attempts, boasting a .625 hitting percentage
• Eirini Glynou added 9 kills and 4 service aces, while setter Erica Sledge recorded 37 assists, orchestrating a balanced and efficient attack that saw UIS hit .361 as a team
• Defensively, the Prairie Stars were led by Anna Laincz with 10 digs, while setter Erica Sledge distributed the ball effectively, racking up 37 assists
• UIS also posted a strong serving game, with Glynou and Laincz contributing 4 aces apiece

• Kills: UIS 42, PNW 32
• Hitting Percentage: UIS .361, PNW .209
• Assists: UIS 38, PNW 31
• Service Aces: UIS 9, PNW 3
• Digs: UIS 39, PNW 25

• Set 1: The Prairie Stars came out strong, hitting .267 with 12 kills on 30 attempts. Arkansas-Monticello struggled offensively, with 10 kills but 11 errors, resulting in a -.036 hitting percentage. The Prairie Stars took the set 25-17
• Set 2: UIS continued their efficient play in the second set, posting a .364 hitting percentage with 16 kills on 33 attempts. UAM improved slightly, hitting .167 with 10 kills, but UIS maintained control, winning 25-18
• Set 3: The Prairie Stars sealed the match with a balanced attack in the final set, hitting .273 with 14 kills on 33 attempts. Arkansas-Monticello added 9 kills but struggled with 7 errors, resulting in a .077 hitting percentage. UIS wrapped up the match with a 25-18 win
• Eirini Glynou led UIS with 15 kills, hitting an impressive .452 on 31 attempts
• Setter Erica Sledge orchestrated the attack, finishing with 34 assists
• On defense, Anna Laincz and Makenna Cox contributed 9 digs apiece

• Kills: UIS 42, UAM 29
• Hitting Percentage: UIS .302, UAM .071
• Assists: UIS 37, UAM 25
• Service Aces: UIS 7, UAM 4
• Digs: UIS 31 | UAM 33