Illinois Springfield (0-4) faced two challenging matches at the Ferris State Invitational on Saturday, falling to No. 3-ranked MSU Denver (3-1) and Purdue Northwest (1-3), both in straight sets.
In the morning match against MSU-Denver, Illinois Springfield registered 10 block assists throughout the contest but ultimately lost 3-0. The first set started strong for the Prairie Stars with a kill from
Makenna Cox, assisted by
Marley Christy, giving them an early 2-0 lead. However, Denver quickly responded with back-to-back kills from Brooke Gennerman, taking control and ultimately finishing the set 25-18.Â
The second set saw the Roadrunners pull away decisively, winning 25-15 behind a strong offensive effort.
In the third set, MSU Denver capitalized on early attack errors from Illinois Springfield, taking a 2-0 lead. Although Cox delivered crucial kills to keep UIS competitive, MSU Denver maintained its momentum, and the set ended 25-15 after a decisive kill. Cox led the Prairie Stars with 11 kills on 26 attempts, adding 10 digs and one service ace.
Marley Christy contributed eight assists and one service ace, while
Madi Siefken posted five assists and eight digs.
Khadijah Blue added three block assists and two kills.
In the afternoon match, Purdue Northwest won in straight sets. The Prairie Stars rallied from an early deficit, with Cox contributing several key kills, assisted by Siefken, to tie the score at multiple intervals. Christy delivered a service ace, briefly giving UIS a lead at 6-4. The first set continued as a back-and-forth battle, and Purdue Northwest managed to secure it 25-22.
The second set opened with a service ace by
Kaitlyn Taylor, giving UIS an early advantage. However, Purdue Northwest surged ahead to a 5-1 lead. Johnson and Cox narrowed the gap to 6-5, but PNW regained control, ultimately winning the set 25-16 despite a late push from UIS, which included a service ace from Siefken.Â
In the third set, Illinois Springfield gained initial momentum with a kill by
Khadijah Blue, assisted by
Emma Frazier. The Prairie Stars faced a series of challenges, including a shift in momentum favoring Purdue Northwest, who closed the set 25-14.
"This weekend was a true 'trial by fire' for our squad." said Coach Ulrich. "We played a tough schedule to help prepare us for future conference play. While we didn't earn any wins, we learned a lot about ourselves and found ways to compete through adversity. We have a lot of season ahead of us, and I'm excited to continue growing with this group. They have a ton of heart and are ready to keep building on what we've learned."
Looking ahead, the Prairie Stars are set to compete against Davis & Elkins and UA-Fort Smith on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational in Owensboro, Ky.
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