The UIS volleyball team will kick off its 2025 season as hosts of the Illinois National Guard UIS Invitational on Friday, Sept. 5, and Saturday, Sept. 6, at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on the UIS campus. The tournament schedule has been adjusted due to changes in participating teams.
Tournament Schedule
Friday, Sept. 5
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10:00 a.m. – Quincy vs. Kentucky Wesleyan
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12:30 p.m. – Central Missouri vs. Roosevelt
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3:30 p.m. – Roosevelt vs. Quincy
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6:00 p.m. – UIS vs. Central Missouri
Saturday, Sept. 6
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10:00 a.m. – Kentucky Wesleyan vs. UIS
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12:00 p.m. – Quincy vs. Central Missouri
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2:00 p.m. – Roosevelt vs. Kentucky Wesleyan
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4:30 p.m. – UIS vs. Roosevelt
Season Outlook
Fans will get their first look at the team under new head coach Laura Ulrich on Friday evening. Coming off an 18-10 record and a GLVC tournament appearance, UIS returns key players, including all-GLVC performers Makenna Cox and Erica Sledge. Newcomers are expected to contribute immediately, giving the team a balanced mix of experience and new talent.
Matchups
UIS vs. Central Missouri – The Prairie Stars open the tournament Friday at 6:00 p.m. against Central Missouri. UIS will look to avenge a sweep in their last meeting in 2014, while Coach Ulrich will guide the team through her first official match at the program's helm.
UIS vs. Kentucky Wesleyan – Saturday at 10:00 a.m., UIS faces Kentucky Wesleyan, a team the Prairie Stars swept at the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational last fall. UIS leads the all-time series 5-2 and aims to extend its advantage.
UIS vs. Roosevelt – The final match of the tournament is Saturday at 4:30 p.m. when UIS meets Roosevelt in the first-ever meeting between the programs. Roosevelt, now in its second year as a Division II program, presents a fresh challenge for the Prairie Stars to finish the invitational strong.
Follow Along
Fans are encouraged to attend the home tournament to support the Prairie Stars. Tickets are available as day passes for $15 for adults or $8 for youth ages 5-17. All matches will also be streamed live on the GLVC Sports Network (GLVCSN) behind a paywall.