The Quincy Hawks (18-5, 7-2 GLVC) defeated the UIS Prairie Stars (11-11, 3-6 GLVC) in four sets on Saturday at TRAC, with scores of 25-20, 26-28, 25-18, and 25-15. The Prairie Stars' defense recorded 82 digs, but it was not enough to overcome Quincy's offensive performance.

UIS stayed within striking distance early, with Makenna Cox and Kendall Johnson recording kills to even the score at 6-6. A Johnson ace briefly gave the Prairie Stars the lead before Quincy regained control. Later, service aces from Tuana Yuce and a Lexie Vick block helped to tie the score, but Quincy took advantage of attack errors to close out the set 25-20.

UIS came out strong in the second set, taking a 8-4 lead before Quincy rallied to go up 13-8 following a string of UIS errors. The Prairie Stars, however, mounted a comeback, tying the set at 22-22 after three straight kills. The Prairie Stars displayed resilience, overcoming a late deficit with decisive plays, including a service ace by Johnson that brought them level at 24-24. Cox sealed the set with a final kill, leading the Prairie Stars to a 28-26 set victory.

The Prairie Stars opened the third set by earning the first two points, but Quincy quickly gained control with a run of kills by Selin Turgut and Janelle Pye-Blacknard. The Prairie Stars fought back with Johnson and Cox each securing kills, but Quincy's consistent offense maintained their advantage. Cox continued to contribute, but Quincy capitalized on errors and extended its lead and won the set 25-18.

In the fourth set, the teams traded points early, with Kendall Johnson's kills keeping the score even at 11-11. UIS briefly regained the lead at 14-13 after attacks from Madison Siefken and Lexie Vick, but Quincy answered with a decisive run led by Susanna Beretti and Janelle Pye-Blacknard to go up 20-14. Despite efforts from Erica Sledge late in the set, the Prairie Stars couldn't recover, falling 25-15 to end the match. 

Cox led the team with 16 kills and 20 digs. Sledge hit .714 with five kills and 23 assists, while Siefken added five kills, five blocks, and 12 digs. Yuce anchored the defense with 19 digs.

Up Next
UIS will host Upper Iowa at TRAC next Friday, followed by Truman State on Saturday for Senior Day.