Illinois Springfield women's basketball (4-8, 1-3 GLVC) fell 67-61 to Lake Superior State (2-7, 0-2 GLIAC) Thursday afternoon. The contest marked UIS' first Education Day game, as hundreds of students from local schools filled the TRAC and created an energetic atmosphere.

The Lakers opened the game with a 7-2 advantage before the Prairie Stars answered to even the score at 10-10 midway through the first quarter. Alandyn Simmons sparked the response with a fast-break layup at the 7:08 mark, trimming the deficit to three, before Molly Knight followed with a defensive rebound and transition layup at 6:02. Libby Blythe knocked down a three-pointer at 1:44 to give UIS its first lead of the afternoon, then added a fast-break layup with 56 seconds remaining, and the Prairie Stars carried a 15-12 edge into the second quarter.

UIS mounted a late surge in the second quarter with a 7-0 run capped by Kayla Rice's layup at the 5:00 mark. Rice continued to attack down the stretch, adding a jumper and another layup in the final minutes as UIS pulled within one at 29-28. Lake Superior State, however, held onto the narrow advantage heading into halftime.

The Prairie Stars briefly moved back in front early in the third quarter when Osterman connected on a three-pointer at 8:18, assisted by Allysia McDaniel. Rice kept UIS within striking distance with a pair of jumpers and defensive rebounds, but LSSU regained momentum late. A three-pointer at the 2:17 mark pushed the visitors back in front, and they closed the quarter leading 44-39.

UIS continued to apply defensive pressure in the fourth quarter and trimmed the margin late. Julia Mingus converted a steal into a fast-break layup, and Kayla Rice knocked down a three-pointer with 36 seconds remaining, but the Lakers maintained a lead of at least five down the stretch. The Lakers sealed the outcome at the free-throw line in the closing moments to secure the 67-61 decision.

Rice led UIS with 19 points on six field goals and added three steals. Mingus finished with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting and two steals. Knight recorded seven rebounds and three assists, while Blythe contributed nine points, one three-pointer, and a block.

Illinois Springfield now stands at 4-8 overall and 1-3 in GLVC play, while Lake Superior State improved to 2-7 overall and 0-2 in GLIAC action.

Following the game, head coach Olivia Birt said, "Not the effort we want to finish our first semester with, but excited to regroup over break and be ready to go for the next stretch of conference play."

Up Next
UIS will return to GLVC play on Jan. 2, hosting Indianapolis at TRAC.