Illinois Springfield women's soccer returns home for the final week of the regular season, hosting McKendree on Wednesday at 3 p.m. and Rockhurst on Saturday at noon. The Prairie Stars enter the week at 7-5-3 overall and 5-4-3 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play, already surpassing last season's win total and sitting eighth in the conference standings.

With the GLVC Tournament approaching, the Prairie Stars have an opportunity to strengthen their postseason position against two challenging opponents, including Rockhurst, which sits just one spot ahead of Illinois Springfield in the standings. Several conference teams have already secured postseason berths, leaving the final week of play important for teams still looking to qualify.

UIS enters the week looking to regain momentum after a 1-0 road loss at Lewis and a 1-1 draw against Southwest Baptist on Saturday. Despite the recent results, the Prairie Stars have consistently kept games close, with only one loss by more than one goal this season. Goalkeeper Gigi Yurevich has been a key part of that effort, ranking fourth in the GLVC with a 1.00 goals-against average.

The two home games offer the Prairie Stars a chance to finish the regular season on a strong note before the conference tournament field is finalized.

McKendree enters Wednesday's matchup at 13-2-1 overall and 9-2-1 in GLVC play, ranking second in the conference standings. The Bearcats have been one of the league's most productive teams offensively, averaging 2.81 goals per game, while also allowing just 0.75 goals per contest.

Maddie Mauch leads the GLVC with 16 goals and 36 points, adding six assists to her scoring total. Aubrey Andrews ranks third in the conference with 10 goals, giving McKendree two of the league's most dangerous attacking options. The Bearcats also have additional scoring depth, with one player recording six goals and another adding five.

Goalkeeper Peyton Baker has helped anchor the defense with a 0.54 goals-against average and an .848 save percentage.

McKendree comes to Springfield after a scoreless draw against conference-leading Missouri-St. Louis and a 3-0 win over Rockhurst. The Bearcats have also been a consistent defensive presence throughout the season, making Wednesday's matchup a significant test for the Prairie Stars.

Rockhurst enters the week at 8-4-2 overall and 6-4-1 in conference play, currently seventh in the GLVC standings. The Hawks have dropped their last two games, falling 2-0 at Missouri-St. Louis and 3-0 at McKendree. Before traveling to Springfield on Saturday, Rockhurst will face William Jewell.

Jenna Roark leads the Hawks with six goals, tied for fifth in the conference. Goalkeeper Sydney Schnarr has recorded 61 saves with a .792 save percentage, playing an important role in keeping Rockhurst competitive throughout the season.

With Rockhurst just ahead of UIS in the standings, Saturday's matchup could have postseason implications for both teams as they look to close the regular season with a strong performance.

The GLVC Tournament will begin with quarterfinal games at the campus sites of the top four seeds on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The semifinals and championship game will follow at Cooper Sports Complex in Springfield, Mo., on Nov. 5 and 7. The tournament bracket will be announced following the conclusion of regular-season play.

Wednesday's match will celebrate International Day at UIS, recognizing international students across campus, including international Prairie Star student-athletes.

Saturday's match will feature Heroes Day, recognizing the contributions of local heroes and community members. In partnership with the YMCA, UIS will also host a Future Stars game following the Prairie Stars' match, giving youth soccer players an opportunity to take the field.


UIS thanks CEFCU for its partnership and continued support of UIS soccer. Learn more about CEFCU.