The University of Illinois Springfield women's soccer team will begin its 2024 regular season with two games coming against tough non-conference opponents. The Prairie Stars take on the Findlay Oilers on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. to open the season. UIS welcomes the Central Missouri Jennies on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for the first-ever matchup between the two schools. 

UIS

The Prairie Stars are looking to build off their success of last season behind first-year head coach Scott Myers. UIS has a large group of returning starters with the addition of first-years looking to provide a spark. The Prairie Stars were tabbed to finish 7th in the GLVC Preseason Poll after finishing the 2023 season sixth in GLVC play with a 7-4-2 record, falling in the GLVC Tournament Quarterfinals. Two all-conference performers return for their fifth year in Abby Dellamorte and Madison Grandys. 

Findlay

The Oilers begin their season looking to continue recent success under new head coach Sierra Tom. The Oilers were picked to finish 4th in the competitive GMAC. In 2023 Findlay finished 11-5-4 overall with a 10-2-2 mark in the G-MAC, ultimately earning a trip to the G-MAC Tournament semifinals. Findlay also has a pair of all-conference performers returning in Hannah and Jenna Rybicki. UIS has a 2-1-1 record against Findlay. The Oilers won the match in 2022, while the 2023 game ended in a draw.

Central Missouri

The Jennies come into the season with confidence after making a trip to the NCAA Tournament Second Round in 2023. In the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, UCM was picked to finish 2nd. Central Missouri also enters the season ranked #21 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason National Poll. The Jennies finished 2023 with a 16-5-2 overall record and 8-1-2 against MIAA opponents. Central Missouri returns seven All-Conference honorees for the 2024 season; Caroline Cole, Andree Orcutt, Kristen Wright, Gracie Knight, Ashleigh Martin, Ryann Clark, and Lexie Ruf. This will be the first time ever that the two programs have matched up against one another. 

How to Watch
Prairie Stars fans can now purchase digital tickets in advance. Season and single-game tickets are available on the UIS Box Office page, with gates opening one hour before kickoff.

All regular season home games will be streamed for free on the GLVC Sports Network. Additionally, live statistics are available for all games.