The UIS women's soccer team continues their conference schedule this Friday, facing Indianapolis on the road at 4:00 p.m. Central (5:00 Eastern) in their only match of the weekend.

Illinois Springfield (5-6-3, 5-5-1 GLVC)

The Prairie Stars head into the weekend sitting in seventh place after a pair of challenging matchups last weekend, where they faced McKendree and nationally-ranked Maryville. On Friday night against the Bearcats, the Prairie Stars showed glimpses of brilliance, but McKendree proved too strong overall. McKendree opened the scoring just four minutes in, as Anna Stiffler capitalized on a loose ball and finished from close range. UIS goalkeeper Allison Mirimanian was the busier of the two, but the Prairie Stars generated several chances that tested the McKendree defense. The Bearcats doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Lena Higgins controlled a pass just outside the box. Her initial shot was blocked by Megan Little, but Higgins pounced on the rebound and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to extend the lead. Both teams continued to generate chances, but McKendree secured a 2-0 victory. The Bearcats outshot UIS 16-8, with a 9-5 advantage in shots on target. 

Sunday's game was equally as challenging, as the Prairie Stars took on No. 12 Maryville in St. Louis. UIS started strong, firing off three shots within a minute during the opening five minutes. Maryville responded with chances of their own, but the Prairie Stars defense and Allison Mirimanian were up to the task. The first half ended scoreless behind high-quality defensive efforts. Maryville appeared to take the lead right out of halftime, but the play was subsequently flagged offsides. The Saints did take a lead in the 56th minute behind Sara Lawler after a penalty kick was awarded and converted. MU doubled their advantage in the 65th minute as Lotte Brands unleashed a twenty-five yard rocket that flew past Mirimanian in net. The Saints walked away deserved winners, outshooting the Prairie Stars 27-8, with a 10-1 advantage in shots on goal. 

Katelynn Ward leads the Stars with four goals on the season, while Dani Auble is right behind with three. Brooke Biffar leads the team with 5 assists. Allison Mirimanian has started all 14 games in goal, allowing 17 goals.

Indianapolis (7-6-1, 6-4-1 GLVC)

The Greyhounds enter the weekend currently fifth in the GLVC. Indianapolis also had a tough weekend, losing both games on the road in St. Louis. On Friday night against Maryville, the Saints scored early and kept their foot on the gas in a 4-0 rout of the Greyhounds. Maryville scored on their first shot of the game in the 7th minute, with Sara Lawler finding the back of the net. Maryville was able to score two more times in the first half from Lotte Brands in the 28th minute and Nika Vemdal in the 40th minute. With a comfortable lead going into the second frame, the Saints added one more goal for good in the 57th minute from Tori Calvert. Maryville outshot Indianapolis 17-4, with a 9-1 advantage in shots on goal. 

On Sunday, the Greyhounds faced UMSL in a crucial matchup in St. Louis. The Tritons took the lead in the 14th minute when Jada Holloman scored off a goalkick sequence. Aubree Wallace and Kayley Judy provided assists, playing Holloman through on goal, where she finished into the far corner. Despite UIndy's efforts to respond throughout the rest of the first half, they couldn't break through. The Greyhounds continued to create chances in the second half, but UMSL's defense held firm, securing a shutout victory. Both teams finished with seven shots, two of them on target.

Mia Winters leads the Greyhound attack with seven goals, while also providing three assists. Antiya Sidibe has provided the most assists with five. Jenna Taghikhani has played every minute in goal this season for UIndy, allowing 12 goals in that time. 

UIS vs Indianapolis History

The Prairie Stars are 4-10 historically against the Greyhounds, but have found more success recently by winning the previous two matchups. Last season's contest ended with a 1-0 win for the Stars in Indianapolis behind a goal from Abby Dellamorte. UIndy's last win came in the spring of 2021.