The Illinois Springfield women's basketball team has been voted to finish 10th in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in the preseason poll released by the league office on Tuesday.
UIS received 80 points in the preseason poll, placing them 10th, after finishing last season as the five-seed in the GLVC tournament. The Prairie Stars finished the 2023 season with a 13-9 conference record, setting a program record for single-season GLVC wins. As they prepare for the upcoming season, UIS is determined to surpass expectations and make a strong impact in the GLVC.
Defending tournament champion Lewis topped the poll with 190 points and nine first-place votes, followed closely by Drury with 183 points and five first-place votes. McKendree secured the third spot with 158 points and one first-place vote, while Maryville and Upper Iowa rounded out the top five.
UIS will kick off its season at the GLIAC/GLVC Crossover hosted by Purdue Northwest. The Prairie Stars are set to compete against Tiffin on Friday, Nov. 8, followed by a matchup with Hillsdale on Saturday, Nov. 9. GLVC play begins at TRAC on Saturday, Nov. 30 when the Prairie Stars host Missouri-St. Louis.