The Illinois Springfield volleyball team pushed one of the GLVC's top programs on Saturday afternoon, taking a set off Rockhurst in a competitive 3-1 loss at TRAC. Set scores were 26-24, 25-12, 16-25, and 25-19, with UIS winning the third set in dominant fashion. The Prairie Stars move to 7-9 overall and 1-5 in GLVC play, while the Hawks remain unbeaten in conference action at 12-5, 5-0.

The opening set saw UIS battle point-for-point before Rockhurst escaped in extra points, 26-24. The Hawks then carried that momentum into the second frame with an efficient .379 hitting percentage to take a 2-0 lead.

UIS responded in the third, hitting .267 behind balanced attacking from Makenna Cox and Kendall Johnson to claim a 25-16 win and stay alive. Rockhurst, however, regrouped to take the fourth set 25-19 and secure the match.

The Prairie Stars posted a .164 team hitting percentage with 40 kills, while holding Rockhurst to .196. UIS also out-blocked Rockhurst 10-4.

Makenna Cox led UIS with a standout all-around performance, totaling 18 kills on a .319 attack percentage along with three solo blocks, and 12 digs. Setter Erica Sledge tallied 27 assists and six digs while hitting .385. Kendall Johnson contributed eight kills to the offensive effort.

Up Next
The Prairie Stars return to action next weekend at the Midwest Regional Crossover, set for Oct. 17-18. The event provides a break from GLVC play, with matchups to be announced.