UIS volleyball (9-10, 1-5 GLVC) competed in the Midwest Regional Crossover at Hammond Sportsplex over the weekend, finishing 2-1 on the weekend. The Prairie Stars secured a convincing straight-set victory over Kentucky Wesleyan and faced Tiffin, where they fell in four sets.

Tiffin 3 | Illinois Springfield 1
Illinois Springfield faced its toughest test of the weekend in the morning match against Tiffin, falling in four sets 25-21, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17. 

Tiffin earned the first points of the day, though UIS responded with Erica Sledge recording a kill to help close the gap and a service ace that tied the score at 2-2. Madison Siefken's service run then helped propel UIS to an 11-7 advantage. However, Tiffin fought back to even the score at 14-14 and eventually secured the first set 25-21.

In the second set, UIS struggled with early attack errors, allowing Tiffin to take a 4-0 lead. Despite a strong kill from Cox and a service ace from Tuana Yuce, Tiffin maintained pressure and extended their lead, ultimately winning the set 25-17.

The Prairie Stars found their rhythm in the third set, hitting .345 to extend the match. Blocks from Johnson and Lexie Vick helping to erase an early deficit. UIS surged late, with Cox and Johnson adding crucial kills, leading them to a 25-18 victory. 

Tiffin took command in the fourth set as UIS couldn't match the Dragons' attack, ending the match 25-17.

Cox led UIS with 16 kills and 19.5 points, while Siefken excelled at the service line with four aces. Vick made a significant impact defensively, totaling six blocks, and Sledge facilitated the offense with 28 assists.

Illinois Springfield 3 | Kentucky Wesleyan 0
Illinois Springfield swept Kentucky Wesleyan for the second time this season, cruising to a 25-10, 25-16, 25-21 win. The Prairie Stars dominated the opening set, hitting .440 and capitalizing on strong serving. Madison Siefken and Kendall Johnson provided early offense, and Makenna Cox's serving run helped secure a commanding lead.

UIS maintained pressure throughout the first set with contributions from Cox and Erica Sledge, building an 18-7 advantage. Defensive efforts, including key blocks by Sledge and Lexie Vick, helped maintain their margin. The Prairie Stars closed out the first set decisively at 25-10.

The second set saw UIS overcoming an early four-point deficit, with Siefken and Johnson contributing important plays, including a service ace and a kill. Cox led a strong 5-0 run to take the lead, and the Prairie Stars capitalized on opponent errors, ultimately winning the set 25-16 with a final kill from Cox.

UIS quickly established a 4-0 lead in the third set. Kentucky Wesleyan attempted to rally, narrowing the deficit with service aces, but the Prairie Stars would maintain control, closing the set 25-21 with a final block by Sledge.

Cox led the match with 15 kills on 29 attempts, along with five service aces and eight digs, contributing a total of 20.5 points. Sledge posted 25 assists and three aces, while Siefken recorded five service aces and three digs.

This victory closed out the Midwest Region Crossover where UIS went 2-1, enhancing their all-time record at the tournament to 29-16.

Up Next
The Prairie Stars resume GLVC play on the road next week, visiting Southwest Baptist in Bolivar, Mo. on Friday and Drury in Springfield, Mo. on Saturday. UIS returns home on Saturday, Nov. 1 to host Quincy.