Illinois Springfield is set to host the Prairie Star Classic volleyball tournament from September 18-20 at the TRAC at UIS. The Prairie Stars will face Northwest Missouri State, Nebraska-Kearney, and Maryville throughout the week.

Illinois Springfield (6-1)
UIS has opened the season 6-1 under first-year head coach Laura Ulrich, building momentum with a 4-0 performance at the Hall of Fame City Challenge in Ohio. Veterans Erica Sledge, Makenna Cox, and Kendall Johnson were each named to the all-tournament team, while newcomers Tuana Yuce and Lexie Vick have already made strong contributions on defense.

Over the weekend, Erica Sledge surpassed 2,000 career assists and directed the offense with 145 assists across 15 sets (9.67/set). Makenna Cox added balance with 52 kills (3.71/set) and steady defensive work. Libero Tuana Yuce anchored the back row with 59 digs (3.93/set), including 22 against Bloomsburg, and middle blocker Lexie Vick totaled 13 blocks, posting four in three different matches.

Northwest Missouri State (5-2)
The Bearcats enter the Prairie Star Classic with a 5-2 record, highlighted by wins over Lane, East Central, and Cameron. Against familiar GLVC foes, Northwest Missouri State fell to Drury in five sets and Rockhurst in three.

Setter Ella Caffery has been a standout, recording 54 assists in the win over Cameron, while outside hitter Kasidy Mohwinkle paces the team with 3.45 kills per set. Thursday night's opener will be a key test of whether the UIS offense can outpace the Bearcats' balanced attack.

Nebraska-Kearney (10-0)
Nebraska-Kearney brings an unblemished 10-0 record into the weekend, with every win coming in straight sets. Before traveling to Springfield, the Lopers will face Truman State in Kirksville, Mo.

The team's offensive punch comes from Carly Purdy and Emilee Lane, while Ellie Spang has anchored the back row at libero. At the net, Sydney Davis and Abby Rose have been instrumental in keeping opponents in check. Nebraska-Kearney will provide a top-tier challenge for UIS and the rest of the field.

Maryville (2-5)
The Saints are 2-5 this fall, with victories against Bemidji State and Southern Nazarene. Maryville will meet both Northwest Missouri State and Nebraska-Kearney before closing the tournament against UIS on Saturday afternoon in the Homecoming matchup. The contest will be a non-conference tilt, as the two teams are scheduled to face off again in November during GLVC play.

The Saints rely on Ella Brinkmann to generate offense on the outside, while Leslie Longanback provides stability at the net and Olivia Klump anchors the back row.
 

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Homecoming
The Homecoming match against Maryville on Saturday is particularly significant for UIS, offering an opportunity for the team to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd and continue their impressive streak. UIS fans can look forward to great giveaways in spirit of Homecoming week! 

Fan Information
Tickets for the matches can be purchased via HomeTown Ticketing on the UIS Box Office or through the HomeTown Fan App. Admission is free for youth aged 5 and under, UIS students with a valid ID, and UIS faculty and staff. All games will be streamed live on the GLVC Sports Network, with pay-per-view options available. Concessions will be available throughout the tournament, offering drinks and snacks for purchase.