The Illinois Springfield volleyball team opened its GLVC schedule with a strong start but ultimately fell 3-1 to Lewis on Friday night at TRAC. The Prairie Stars dropped to 6-5 overall and 0-1 in the league.

UIS came out sharp in the first set, racing to an early lead behind efficient attacking. The Stars tallied 19 kills in the opening set, hitting .283 while holding the Flyers to just 11 kills. After Lewis pulled even at 18-18, UIS regained control with a late push highlighted by kills from Madeline Mendelblatt, Lexie Vick, and Makenna Cox, along with a service ace from Madison Siefken. An Erica Sledge kill sealed the 26-24 set win and gave the Stars early momentum.

Lewis regrouped in the second frame, out-hitting UIS .256 to .200 to even the match with a 25-19 decision. The third set was tight throughout, with neither team leading by more than two points until the Flyers edged out a 25-23 set win. The visitors then closed the night with a 25-16 victory in the fourth, hitting .323 while UIS was limited to a .049 percentage.

Cox led the Prairie Stars' attack with 18 kills and added 15 digs and two service aces. Sledge had a strong all-around night, recording 34 assists, 11 digs, seven kills, and a block. Mendelblatt chipped in seven kills, while Tuana Yuce anchored the defense with a match-high 22 digs.

"Our offense and setting were really strong in the first set, and that gave us a lot of confidence," said head coach Laura Ulrich. "This team plays well when our backs are against the wall, and we needed more of that confidence later on. Lewis was incredible at pressing across the net and closing their block. We will reset mentally and come out strong tomorrow against Indianapolis."

Up Next
UIS will look to bounce back Saturday at 3:00 p.m. when it hosts Indianapolis at TRAC.