Joey Fitzgerald was named the GLVC Offensive Player of the Week after five goal involvements in two games this past weekend. The graduate transfer from Western Springs, Ill., assisted the lone goal in Friday night's loss to Missouri S&T. On Sunday against Drury, Fitzgerald scored one and assisted three more to lead the Prairie Stars to a comeback victory. He currently leads the GLVC with a total of six assists this season and is tied for seventh place in NCAA Division II.

Fitzgerald's assist on Friday came from a play down the left wing, where he found Kevin Herrera in the center to tie the match. On Sunday, his first assist came from a corner that found Josh Conrad. Fitzgerald recorded his second assist of the game when he crossed the ball to his wingback partner, Noah Brill, who found the back of the net to level the contest. Fitzgerald then scored his third goal of the season, slotting the ball into the top of the net to take the lead. His final assist came when he sent an early cross to Corne Boshoff, who controlled the ball and secured the game-winner with 20 minutes remaining.

The Prairie Stars have started the season 4-3-2 overall, with a strong 4-1-2 record in GLVC play. They return home this weekend to face UMSL on Friday and conference newcomer Lincoln on Sunday.

The last Offensive Player of the Week from UIS was Brian Riordan on Oct. 9, 2023.