Illinois Springfield started the opening quarter evenly matched with Missouri-St. Louis, tying the score early at 2-2 following a jumper by Julia Mingus. The Prairie Stars managed to stay competitive with a series of three-point shots, including a crucial one by Molly Knight at 6:18, assisted by Mingus, which narrowed the gap to 6-5. Kayla Rice’s first made shot of the game was a three-pointer midway through the first quarter. That shot put her at 1,001 career points, an impressive milestone for the junior who is now the program’s No. 5 scorer all-time. UIS would go on to shoot an impressive 52.9% from beyond the arc throughout the game.
However, UMSL capitalized on its opportunities in the paint, pulling ahead with a 22-15 lead by the end of the quarter. The Prairie Stars ended the quarter with a late three-pointer from Libby Blythe, assisted by Mingus, closing the deficit slightly as the quarter concluded.
The Prairie Stars surged ahead in the second quarter, capitalizing on free throws and timely shooting. Mingus’s three-pointer, assisted by Paula Strzelecki, and subsequent free throws by Knight helped close the gap early on. The Prairie Stars then took the lead on a Kennedy Ostermanlayup. Despite the effort, the Tritons responded and regained the lead with a late layup by Morgan Ramthun in the final seconds, concluding the half with the Prairie Stars trailing 31-30.
In the third quarter, UIS managed to keep pace with Missouri-St. Louis, highlighted by key contributions from Blythe, who sank a crucial three-pointer to regain a slim lead. With tight exchanges throughout, the score was knotted multiple times, showcasing a balanced offensive effort from both sides. Despite late efforts, including a layup and free throw by Kennedy Ostermanwith 26 seconds left, the Prairie Stars ended the quarter trailing just 51-50.
The Prairie Stars were in control in the fourth quarter, opening with a series of key plays, including a jumper by Kayla Rice at 9:51 and a layup by Allison Wheeler, assisted by Strzelecki, at 9:12, securing an early lead. The home team capitalized on turnovers, with Rice’s fastbreak layup at 6:29 extending the margin to three points. Blythe later hit a crucial three-pointer at 4:06 for an eight-point lead. Down the stretch, the Prairie Stars maintained their lead through successful free throws by Osterman and Mingus, sealing the game.
Blythe led the team with 18 points, converting four of five from beyond the arc and adding three steals. Mingus posted 17 points and successfully made seven of eight free throws. Rice contributed 12 points, collected five rebounds, and recorded four steals. Osterman added 13 points and collected six rebounds. The balanced effort was highlighted by having four double-digit scorers for the Prairie Stars.
“We came together and found a way to win,” Head Coach Olivia Birt said. “It took the energy of all 13 people to get us there. We had so many people step up and make big time plays when we needed them and that’s what it takes to beat a great team.”
The Prairie Stars hold a record of 9-11 overall and 6-6 in GLVC play after defeating UMSL for the first time since a home game in January 2020. UMSL is at 16-3 overall and 12-1 in the GLVC.
Up Next
UIS will meet both Maryville and McKendree on the road next weekend.
