The UIS women's soccer team returns to Kiwanis Stadium for GLVC games this weekend. The Prairie Stars take on UMSL on Friday night at 5:00 p.m. and Lincoln on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.

UIS (4-3-3, 4-2-1 GLVC)

The Prairie Stars hit the road last weekend to take on Missouri S&T on Friday and nationally-recognized Drury on Sunday. On Friday against the Miners, it was one-way traffic for most of the game as UIS dominated possession and chances created. The scoring opened in the 35th minute as a through ball played by Anna Schurz caused a collision and the ball fell to Katelynn Ward. Ward took a touch and coolly finished into the bottom corner to give the Stars a one-goal lead. In the 74th minute, Brooke Biffar sent in a corner kick, and Ward rose highest to head in her second goal of the game. The UIS defense held strong to secure the shutout and a 2-0 win. UIS outshot S&T 13-4, with a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal. 

On Sunday, the Prairie Stars faced off against Drury, a team receiving national votes. The two squads played a clean match, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in each half. Drury finally opened the scoring in the 54th minute when Tara Simon latched onto a loose ball and fired a shot that Allison Mirimanian initially saved. However, Bella Hernandez reacted quickest to score off the rebound. The Panthers continued to create better chances throughout the match, but the final score remained 1-0 in their favor. Drury outshot the Prairie Stars 14-7, holding a slight 5-4 edge in shots on goal.

The Prairie Stars are currently tied for fifth in the GLVC with 13 points. Katelynn Ward leads the Stars with three goals on the season, while Dani Auble is right behind her with two. Brooke Biffar leads the team with four assists. Allison Mirimanian has started all 10 games in goal this season, allowing a total of 10 goals.

UMSL (4-3-2, 1-3-2 GLVC)

The Tritons had just one contest last weekend, coming against No. 20 Maryville on Friday night. The Saints showcased their quality and deserved national ranking with a resounding 3-0 win. MU scored first in the 27th minute with a strike into the top corner. The Saints increased their lead before halftime with a nice finish past the UMSL goalkeeper. Maryville scored their third in the 78th minute to put the game to rest. MU outshot UMSL 19-9, with a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal. 

The Tritons currently sit eleventh in the GLVC standings with five points. Jada Holloman leads the team with six goals. Julie Steiger has scored three goals, while Josie Maddox and Natalie Scott have chipped in with two goals apiece. Emily Bloomfield leads the team with three assists. Three other Tritons have registered two assists on the season. Mary Kate Neal has started in eight of nine contests this season, allowing 11 goals. 

UIS vs. UMSL History

UIS holds an 8-6-2 historical record against UMSL. Last year's contest marked the Tritons' first victory over the Prairie Stars since the 2016 season, as they won 1-0 in Springfield with a first-half goal. The Prairie Stars had a seven-game winning streak against UMSL from 2017 to 2022.

Lincoln (5-5, 1-5 GLVC)

Conference newcomer Lincoln faced off against two ranked opponents last weekend: No. 23 McKendree and No.20 Maryville. Friday night's contest began dramatically as the Blue Tigers took a shocking lead in the 5th minute when Ivanna Faria unleashed a 30-yard strike that sailed over the goalkeeper's head. However, McKendree equalized just seventeen seconds later and then scored thirteen unanswered goals, ultimately winning 13-1. The Bearcats scored seven goals in the first half and six in the second, with eight different players finding the net, including two who scored hat-tricks. McKendree outshot Lincoln 29-11, with an 18-7 advantage in shots on goal.

The weekend proved challenging for the Blue Tigers as they hosted Maryville on Sunday. Lincoln faced an early setback when the Saints took the lead in the 5th minute and doubled their advantage in the 17th minute. Two more goals in a dominant second half secured a 4-0 victory for Maryville. The Saints outshot Lincoln 19-4, holding a 13-3 edge in shots on goal.

Lincoln currently sits 13th in the GLVC standings with three points. Ivanna Faria leads the team in scoring with six goals, while three other Blue Tigers have each contributed one goal this season. Francesca Tucci-Haack is the only player to provide an assist. In goal, Kanon Dehama and Michelle Granja have both started five games, with Dehama allowing 16 goals and Granja allowing 13.

UIS vs. Lincoln History

This will be the inaugural meeting between the teams, as Lincoln is just ten games into its debut season.