The Illinois Springfield women's soccer team celebrated Senior Night with a 1-0 win over Upper Iowa, locking in a spot in the GLVC Tournament. In front of an energized home crowd at Kiwanis Stadium, UIS took control of the second half and secured the victory, improving to 7-6-3 overall and 7-5-1 in conference play.

"Tonight was a great win for our seniors," said Coach Scott Myers. "Not only do we get the win on a special night, but they get to clinch a place in the GLVC tournament. I'm happy to see this group of young ladies continue to improve with each game. Upper Iowa presented some challenges for us, and I'm grateful we were able to move the ball well tonight. A strong defensive effort from our entire team was a key for us to earn another great shutout for Allison."

Clinching a postseason berth was the perfect gift for the seniors, and Coach Myers expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment. "We're really proud we could achieve that for them tonight, but we now have to look forward to Lewis and try to end our season on a winning streak."

Game Recap

• UIS took control early, creating a series of opportunities, starting with Dani Auble's shot on target in the second minute, saved by Upper Iowa's goalkeeper Isabelle Wagner
• UIS kept the pressure high, with additional shots from Auble, Katelynn Ward, and Madison Grandys, but Upper Iowa's defense held strong, denying any early goals
• On the other end, UIS goalkeeper Allison Mirimanian was alert to a key attempt by Darci Faichnie, preserving the scoreless tie as the first half drew to a close
• The Prairie Stars found their breakthrough in the 53rd minute when Katelynn Ward, assisted by Brooke Biffar, scored with a well-placed shot that slipped past Wagner, putting UIS up 1-0
• Following the goal, UIS continued to apply pressure. Auble, Ward, and Grandys each took additional shots, with Grandys coming close as her shot struck the crossbar
• Upper Iowa fought to regain control but managed only a few offensive opportunities, hindered by the organized UIS defense
• UIS maintained control of possession in the final minutes, despite a few late fouls and an offside call, to seal the win

Stats at a Glance
Goals: UIS - Ward (53')
Shots: UIS 11 (6 on goal), UIU 2 (1 on goal)
Saves: UIS 1 (Mirimanian), UIU 5 (Wagner)
Corners: UIS 5, UIU 2
Fouls: UIS 11, UIU 9

Up Next
The Prairie Stars will conclude their regular season on Sunday at noon with a home matchup against Lewis, serving as their final preparation before the GLVC Tournament. UIS aims to finish the regular season on a high note as they gear up for postseason play, with their GLVC quarterfinal game scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 10, at a host opponent's venue.

Around the GLVC
Maryville 3, Truman 0
Indianapolis 1, Lewis 0
Rockhurst 4, Lincoln 0
McKendree 4, Quincy 0
Missouri- St. Louis 4, William Jewell 0
Missouri S&T 5, Southwest Baptist 2
Illinois Springfield 1, Upper Iowa 0