The UIS women's basketball team will return to action on Thursday, Jan. 2, facing the Saint Ambrose Fighting Bees in its first game of the new year. After a challenging start to the season, the Prairie Stars aim to reset and build momentum under the leadership of head coach Olivia Lett.
Illinois Springfield (0-11, 0-4 GLVC)
In the final two games before the break, the Prairie Stars fell to Lake Superior State, 63-56, and Ferris State, 82-55. Against LSSU, UIS rallied from a slow start, forcing turnovers and recording seven steals to stay within five points at halftime. A strong fourth quarter, led by a well-timed Kayla Rice three-pointer, narrowed the deficit, but LSSU's third-quarter surge proved decisive. UIS shot 35% from the field while LSSU held a 40-33 rebounding edge.
Facing Ferris State, UIS struggled against the Bulldogs' fast start, trailing 25-12 after one quarter. Allysia McDaniel provided a third-quarter spark, but Ferris State's dominant fourth sealed the game. Kayla Rice led UIS with 16 points, while McDaniel and Niyah Udoiwod added 10 and 11, respectively. UIS shot 44.2% but committed 23 turnovers, which Ferris State capitalized on for the win.
Leading the charge for UIS is junior guard Kayla Rice, who averages 16.7 points per game and has been a force with 33 steals through 11 starts. Forward Emari Doby adds crucial support in the post, contributing 13.6 points per game and a total of 38 rebounds this season.
Historically, Saint Ambrose holds an 8-0 advantage in the all-time series between the programs, with their most recent meeting dating back over a decade.
Saint Ambrose (3-8, 1-3 CCAC)
St. Ambrose earned their first conference win of the season with a 64-61 victory over Judson pn Saturday, Dec. 21. After a slow start, the Fighting Bees shot nearly 50% over the final three quarters while holding Judson to 33% shooting and 0-for-8 from beyond the arc. Key plays in the fourth quarter included Olivia Harter's three-pointer and a late-game steal that helped secure the win. Wolter added nine rebounds, and Erica Bostwick's clutch free throws sealed the victory in the final seconds.
The Fighting Bees bring a balanced attack led by standout forward Abby Wolter, who averages 17.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.5%. Payton Calouette and Caitlyn Thole add depth to Saint Ambrose's offense.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC). Fans are encouraged to attend and back the Prairie Stars as they look to make their mark in the new year.