UIS Athletics looks ahead to an exciting week of competition from Aug. 31 through Sept. 6. Highlighting the week's lineup are home events including the Prairie Star Invitational for cross country and the soccer conference opener, themed "Past, Present, and Future of UIS Soccer." Stay tuned for updates and results throughout the week, or sign up for email updates about teams of your choice here.
Wednesday, Sept. 2
3 p.m. — Women's Soccer at Purdue Northwest
UIS women's soccer (1-1) opens the week with its final non-conference match at Purdue Northwest. The Prairie Stars are looking to build on their split opening week before beginning GLVC play Saturday.
Friday, Sept. 4
12:30 p.m. — Volleyball vs. Davis & Elkins at the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational
UIS volleyball (0-4) opens play at the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational in Owensboro, Ky., against Davis & Elkins (0-4). The Prairie Stars are looking for improvement after opening the season against some of the top competition in NCAA Division II last week. One team in this competition will come away with its first win of the 2026 season.
5:30 p.m. — Women's Cross Country at Prairie Star Invitational
The Prairie Star Invitational marks the opening competition of the season for UIS and is the program's sole home event of the year. The women's race will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the UIS Cross Country Course.
6:15 p.m. — Men's Cross Country at Prairie Star Invitational
The men's cross country team will follow the women's race at the Prairie Star Invitational at 6:15 p.m. The meet provides the Prairie Stars with their first opportunity of the season to compete at home.
The Prairie Stars Invitational is also a #WeAreStars Game, giving UIS student-athletes an opportunity to support their peers at a select home competition.
Saturday, Sept. 5
2 p.m. — Volleyball vs. UA-Fort Smith at the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational
The Prairie Stars continue tournament play Saturday afternoon against UA-Fort Smith (2-2) in Owensboro, Ky.
3 p.m. — Women's Soccer vs. Lincoln
Women's soccer opens GLVC play Saturday at home against Lincoln at Kiwanis Stadium. The Blue Tigers (1-2) fell to to Missouri Southern before defeating Harris Stowe last week.
The match begins a soccer doubleheader, with senior recognition taking place between games, and the men's team following at 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. — Men's Soccer vs. Lincoln
Men's soccer (0-2) begins conference play Saturday against Lincoln following a challenging match against NCAA Division I Western Illinois. The Prairie Stars will look to start GLVC play with a home victory. Lincoln (1-0-1) was the No. 1 pick in the league's preseason poll, and currently holds a No. 16 national ranking.
Senior Day recognition will take place at the end of the women's game, before the warmup period for the men's game.
7 p.m. — Volleyball vs. Kentucky Wesleyan at the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational
Volleyball closes the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational Saturday night against host Kentucky Wesleyan (2-2). It will be the Prairie Stars' third match of the tournament.
