Prairie Stars volleyball will spend the weekend in Canton, Ohio, competing in Malone's Hall of Fame City Challenge. UIS will face host Malone and Bloomsburg on Friday, followed by Slippery Rock and Bluefield State on Saturday.

Match Schedule:

• Friday, Sept. 12 – 1:30 p.m. CT (2:30 p.m. ET) vs. Malone

• Friday, Sept. 12 – 6:00 p.m. CT (7:00 p.m. ET) vs. Bloomsburg

• Saturday, Sept. 13 – 10:15 a.m. CT (11:15 a.m. ET) vs. Slippery Rock

• Saturday, Sept. 13 – 2:45 p.m. CT (3:45 p.m. ET) vs. Bluefield State

Illinois Springfield (2-1)
UIS has started the season strong under head coach Laura Ulrich, posting two sweeps in three matches at last weekend's Illinois National Guard UIS Invitational. After opening the season with a 3-0 loss to Central Missouri, the Prairie Stars bounced back with a 3-0 win over Kentucky Wesleyan, showing early dominance and grit late in the match. UIS then closed the weekend with a 3-0 win against Roosevelt in tighter sets, finishing with a winning record.

Standout performers include setter Erica Sledge, who recorded 62 assists, five aces, 12 kills and 18 digs over the weekend. Returners Makenna Cox and Kendall Johnson anchored the offense with 30 and 25 kills, respectively. Newcomers to watch include middle blocker Lexie Vick and libero Tuana Yuce.

Malone (0-4)
The Pioneers opened their season in Florida, dropping three matches, including contests against No. 20 Barry and RV Nova Southeastern. They followed with two close 3-1 losses. Sophomore setter Helaina Edgar leads the team, while Jaymes Gilbert tops the kills with 27 in four matches. Freshman Madalyn Coblentz has been a standout on defense with 31 digs. Malone finished 5-24 last season and competes in the GMAC.

Bloomsburg (2-2)
The Huskies are even at 2-2 following last weekend's Virginia State Tournament, which included a 3-0 win over host Virginia State and a 3-0 victory against Bowie State. Bloomsburg has tallied 83 kills and 30 aces so far this season, with Allison Saalfrank now holding the program record with 106 career aces. Outside hitters Emily Gustie and Katie Kuehl are key players to watch. The Huskies, members of the PSAC, finished 9-18 last season.

Slippery Rock (1-3)
Slippery Rock looks to get back in the win column after opening the season at the Fairmont State Classic with three losses. Callie Chevalier leads the team with 51 kills and six blocks through 15 sets, while libero Kara Pasquale has contributed 74 digs. Slippery Rock finished 12-14 in 2024 and also competes in the PSAC.

Bluefield State (1-4)
The Big Blue enter the weekend with one win through five matches. They opened the season at a Glenville State tournament, dropping three contests before defeating Chowan in the finale. Earlier this week, Bluefield State fell in straight sets to crosstown rival Bluefield University. Key contributors include kills leader Soniya Garner, libero Maya Morales, and a strong group of middle blockers. The Big Blue, members of the CIAA, finished 16-18 last season.

Follow Along
All matches will be available via streaming on FloCollege, with live statistics also provided online.