The Illinois Springfield and Maryville volleyball teams played a spirited non-conference match on Homecoming Saturday at TRAC. The Saints came away with a 3-2 victory, but the Prairie Stars delivered a sharp performance in front of a lively home crowd. UIS closed the Prairie Star Classic with a 6-4 overall record after dropping three matches during the week and will now turn its focus to the start of GLVC play.

Match Recap
Maryville jumped out quickly in the opening set, taking an 8-3 lead while UIS tried to settle in. Attack errors hurt the Prairie Stars as the Saints pulled away for a 25-14 win.

UIS responded with energy in the second set. After an even start, the Prairie Stars strung together a five-point run featuring three kills to seize their first firm lead of the match. They carried the momentum through for a 25-17 victory to even the contest.

The third set again saw Maryville strike first, leading 5-2, before UIS roared ahead with a 10-2 run to grab a 12-7 advantage. Behind steady serving and timely defense, the Prairie Stars held off a late Maryville push. Key kills from Erica Sledge and Makenna Cox, assisted by Sledge, helped UIS close it out 25-21.

The back-and-forth continued in the fourth. Kendall Johnson provided timely offense to keep UIS within striking distance, but Maryville pulled away late for a 25-21 win, forcing a decisive fifth set.

The Saints earned serve to start the final frame, but UIS answered with an early lead. The two teams traded points in a fast-paced stretch where eight of the first 12 rallies ended in kills. Neither side could gain separation until the closing moments. The Saints finished the match with back-to-back kills and one final ace, securing the 15-12 win and the tournament-closing victory at the Prairie Star Classic.

Makenna Cox led all players with 17 kills and added 22 digs for a double-double. Kendall Johnson chipped in 8 kills and 11 points, while Lexie Vick matched her with 8 kills at a .143 clip. Erica Sledge ran the offense with 26 assists and also posted 19 digs, and libero Tuana Yuce tallied 21 digs along with five service aces.

All-Tournament Team
Carly Purdy, Outside Hitter, Nebraska Kearney
Ellie Spang, Libero/Defensive Specialist, Nebraska Kearney
Leslie Longanbach, Middle Blocker, Maryville
Ella Brinkmann, Outside Hitter, Maryville
Ella Caffery, Setter, Northwest Missouri State
Makenna Cox, Outside Hitter, Illinois Springfield

Up Next
UIS opens GLVC play at home next weekend, hosting Lewis on Friday night at 6:00 p.m. before welcoming Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.