The UIS volleyball team is set to return to the GLVC Tournament after finishing fifth in the regular season standings. The Prairie Stars' postseason journey begins Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the Williamsville High School Fieldhouse against No. 4 seed Rockhurst.
Rockhurst won the regular-season meeting 3-0 in Kansas City, but UIS enters the tournament on a strong run, winning four of its last five matches. The match is the second of four quarterfinals being played on Friday, with action starting at 11:00 a.m.
(5) Illinois Springfield (18-9, 8-5 GLVC)
The Prairie Stars finished fifth in the GLVC with an 8-5 record in conference play, securing the tiebreaker over both UMSL and Indianapolis through head-to-head victories. This marks the sixth appearance for UIS in the GLVC Tournament.
On Friday night, the Prairie Stars traveled to Indianapolis to take on the Greyhounds. UIS extended its win streak to four with a dominant victory over UIndy in straight sets. The first set was back and forth until the Greyhounds opened up a slim lead. UIndy appeared to be in control as the set neared its conclusion, leading 19-14. However, UIS went on an impressive 11-2 run to close out the set with a 25-21 victory. The second set was another back-and-forth battle, tied at 14-14, before UIS broke away with a dominant run to secure a 25-18 win. The third set was all Prairie Stars from the start, as UIS cruised to a 25-14 victory to complete the sweep.
On Saturday, the Prairie Stars faced a tough challenge against Lewis, with the Flyers flipping the script to earn a straight-set victory. UIS held a lead in the first set, but errors allowed Lewis to take control and win 25-17. The second set saw UIS start with determination, but the Flyers' potent attack prevailed for a 25-20 win. Lewis jumped out to an early lead in the third set and never looked back, taking it 25-15.
UIS Statistical Leaders:
- Makenna Cox: 426 kills (4.18 per set), ranked 11th in Division II
- Eirini Glynou: 352 kills (3.45 per set)
- Erica Sledge: 978 assists, fifth in the GLVC
- Service Aces: Five players have 29 or more
- Digs: Makenna Cox (372), Anna Laincz (344), Eirini Glynou (322)
- Blocks: Carly Michels (82), Kendall Johnson (77)
(4) Rockhurst (19-6, 10-3 GLVC)
Rockhurst, a nationally recognized program, enters the tournament as the No. 4 seed after finishing 10-3 in GLVC play. The Hawks, making their 20th GLVC Tournament appearance, have won titles in 2012, 2018, and 2019.
On Saturday, Rockhurst delivered a commanding performance against William Jewell, sweeping the match in straight sets (25-5, 25-18, 25-10). The Hawks hit .458 as a team, committing just four errors across all three sets.
Rockhurst Statistical Leaders:
- Tera Reberry: 349 kills (3.64 per set)
- Sarah Pyle: 279 kills (2.97 per set)
- Maureen Reilly: 549 digs (5.72 per set), ranked 17th in Division II
- Assists: Sarah Montague (593), Molly Trachta (455)
- Service Aces: Sarah Pyle (43), Maureen Reilly (40)
- Blocks: Ali Olson (84), Tera Reberry (77)
The winning team will advance to Saturday's 2:30 p.m. semifinal. Saturday's schedule includes semifinal matchups at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., with the championship match set for Sunday, Nov. 24, at 12 p.m.