The Illinois Springfield women's basketball team opened its season on Friday with a 77-61 road loss at Hillsdale, a game that remained tight through three quarters before the Chargers pulled away with a 26-point fourth frame.

"We won't be about moral victories for long this season, but I'm proud of the fight and toughness we showed tonight." said head Coach Olivia Birt. "We had them on the wire going into the fourth and proved we can compete. We're excited to get back on the floor tomorrow!" 

UIS opened the night with confidence from the perimeter, knocking down three three-pointers to start the game and putting early pressure on Hillsdale. Kennedy Osterman led that surge, hitting back-to-back threes—including a go-ahead shot that briefly gave the Prairie Stars the lead. Despite the strong start and a 41.2 percent shooting mark in the period, UIS trailed just 21-19 after the first quarter as Hillsdale countered with efficient offense of its own, shooting 61.5 percent.

Hillsdale made an early push in the second quarter, but UIS worked its way back by rebounding well and staying active defensively. Molly Knight's three-pointer at 8:18, assisted by freshman Julia Mingus, kept the Stars within striking distance. Osterman added another timely three late in the second quarter, but the Chargers closed the half with a pair of free throws and a late layup to take a 41–34 lead at the break.

UIS stayed composed coming out of halftime and clawed back again in the third. The Prairie Stars' defensive pressure intensified, highlighted by five steals in the period, and the offense responded with three makes from beyond the arc. Mingus delivered a key three-pointer at 3:36 off a pass from Brynn Tabeling, trimming the deficit to two. The rookie's shot helped set up another tight finish to a quarter, with UIS heading into the fourth down 51–49 and firmly back in the game.

The Prairie Stars carried that momentum into the final frame, opening the fourth quarter with the lead after Kayla Rice drained a three early on. But Hillsdale quickly answered with a pair of free throws from Sarah Aleknavicius and began to regain control. UIS struggled to convert down the stretch, shooting just 3-for-13 in the quarter, while Hillsdale locked in defensively with eight defensive rebounds and steady scoring in the paint.

Even as the Chargers pushed ahead and reached their first double-digit lead with under three minutes remaining, UIS continued to fight, but Hillsdale ultimately held strong to secure the win.

Kennedy Osterman led the team with 18 points, converting six three-pointers on 13 attempts in her UIS debut. Kayla Rice contributed 12 points and added two steals to her performance. Julia Mingus recorded 10 points, making three of her nine attempts from beyond the arc. Allison Wheeler provided defensive support with two steals and two assists.

UIS moves to 0-1 to start the season, while Hillsdale opens at 1-0.

Up Next
UIS returns to action tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. CT, taking on Tiffin at the same tournament site in Hillsdale.