In a challenging GLVC quarterfinal match, the UIS women's soccer team fell to McKendree University with a 3-1 scoreline on Sunday. The Prairie Stars, entering the match as the No. 6 seed, competed admirably but were overcome by McKendree's persistent offense.

After the Prairie Stars' quarterfinal loss, Head Coach Scott Myers expressed pride in the team's progress and the impact of the senior class.

"Credit to McKendree and their staff for the win today," Myers said. "I'm really impressed with our senior class and excited for the future of this program with the legacy they leave and the elevated standards they've set. Disappointed in the result today but proud of what we put together this season."

Myers also recognized the contributions of assistant coaches Jake Edwards and Jason Vlcek, along with the UIS support staff, adding, "Special shoutout to our assistants and support staff for allowing us to rewrite history for our program this year."
 

Game Recap

• UIS struck first when junior forward Emily Tully netted her second goal in as many games in the 18th minute, briefly giving the Prairie Stars a 1-0 lead. Tully's goal came on one of her three shots, two of which were on target, highlighting her as an offensive focal point for UIS
• McKendree responded swiftly; just over a minute later, Katie Spotanski scored for the Bearcats with assists from Anna Stiffler and Maria Voss to level the score at 1-1
• McKendree gained the lead in the 36th minute, with Aubrey Andrews capitalizing on an assist from Zoe Cormier to make it 2-1
• Despite a determined UIS defensive effort, McKendree continued to apply pressure, outshooting UIS 26-9
• UIS goalkeeper Allison Mirimanian delivered a strong performance in goal, making eight saves to keep the Prairie Stars within striking distance
• In the second half, McKendree added a final goal when Spotanski scored her second of the match in the 70th minute, again assisted by Cormier
• Carolyne Mathenia created opportunities off the bench with four shots, one on goal, but the Prairie Stars were unable to break through McKendree's defense
• UIS closes the season with a commendable 8-7-3 record, including an 8-5-1 conference mark

The quarterfinal match marked a season of hard-fought games and progress for the Prairie Stars, who will look to build on this foundation next season. 

Stats at a Glance
UIS Goals: Tully 18'
MCK Goals: Spotanski 19', Andrews '37, Spotanksi '70
Shots: UIS 9 (4 on goal), MCK 26 (11 on goal)
Corners: UIS 1, MCK 10
Cautions: UIS 3, MCK 2
Fouls: UIS 13, MCK 5
Saves: UIS 8 (Mirimanian), MCK 3 (Mueller) 

GLVC Quarterfinals
Maryville 1, Truman State 0
Drury 1, Indianapolis 0
McKendree 3, Illinois Springfield 1
Missouri-St. Louis 2, Rockhurst 0