The Illinois Springfield volleyball team (6-2) saw its six-match winning streak come to an end on Thursday evening at TRAC, as Northwest Missouri State (6-2) earned a straight-set victory, 25-23, 25-14, 25-14. The Prairie Stars were limited to 21 kills on the night, while the Bearcats tallied 41.

UIS opened the first set with early momentum, highlighted by a pair of kills from Kendall Johnson and steady setting from Erica Sledge. The Prairie Stars battled back late to tie the set at 23, but Northwest Missouri State closed with two straight points to take the frame.

The second set featured runs from both sides. After UIS drew even at 9-9, NWMSU surged ahead with 10 unanswered points. The Prairie Stars responded with five straight of their own, highlighted by consecutive service aces from Tuana Yuce and a block from Erica Sledge and Alexis Schwartz, cutting the deficit to five points. The visitors regrouped to close out the set with another strong stretch.

The third set started positively for UIS, with Madison Siefken and Cox combining for a block to take the first point. Sledge continued to distribute the ball well, setting up Siefken and Madeline Mendelblatt for kills. However, Northwest Missouri State's offensive consistency allowed them to finish the match with another 25-14 set win.

Sledge led UIS with 15 assists, while also adding four kills and an ace. Johnson paced the attack with eight kills, and Yuce's defensive effort kept UIS within striking distance throughout the night. Cox chipped in three kills, five digs, and a service ace.

Up Next
UIS continues the Prairie Star Classic at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night against Nebraska-Kearney.