The UIS volleyball team (10-10, 2-5 GLVC) defeated Southwest Baptist (8-13, 1-5 GLVC) in four sets on Friday, with scores of 25-21, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19. The Prairie Stars turned in a strong all-around performance, collecting 75 digs on defense and 56 kills on offense.
UIS claimed the opening set 25-21 against Southwest Baptist, utilizing a steady offensive drive to secure the lead.
Makenna Cox contributed significantly with four kills, and
Erica Sledge provided key assists, including one that set up a pivotal point at 19-15. The Bearcats struggled with errors, committing three service errors that allowed the Prairie Stars to maintain momentum and close out the set.
The Prairie Stars secured a 25-19 win in the second set , capitalizing on a strong performance from
Kendall Johnson, who registered four kills and a block. The visitors effectively disrupted the home team's rhythm with five blocks, including crucial interventions by
Lexie Vick and Cox that halted SBU's surge. Service pressure was also a factor, as
Madison Siefken added a service ace to extend the lead, while the home team struggled with service errors.
Illinois Springfield opened the third set with a 4-0 lead, capitalizing on two early service aces by Sledge. Johnson contributed significantly, delivering three kills to maintain momentum for the Prairie Stars. Despite this strong start, SBU surged in the latter stages, overcoming the deficit to edge the Prairie Stars 25-23, aided by a service ace and kill from Rory Stanley during their closing stretch.
Trailing 19-14 in the fourth set, the Prairie Stars stormed back with 11 straight points to complete the comeback and clinch the match, 25-19. The rally featured a service ace from
Madison Siefken and multiple key kills from
Kendall Johnson,
Lexie Vick, and
Makenna Cox, as UIS took full control to secure the four-set victory.
Kendall Johnson led UIS with 19 kills and four block assists for a 22-point performance.
Erica Sledge paced the offense with 43 assists and added 14 digs, while
Makenna Cox contributed 16 kills and 22 digs.
Lexie Vick finished with 11 kills and six blocks to anchor the front line.
Up Next
The Prairie Stars will continue their road trip on Saturday, heading to Drury for another GLVC matchup. First serve is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Springfield, Mo.
