The game began with UIS and Lewis exchanging early leads, with the Prairie Stars pulling ahead 5-2 following a layup by Julia Mingus and a three-pointer by Kayla Rice at 7:36. The Prairie Stars maintained pressure, leveraging bench contributions to stay competitive. Paula Strzelecki added two free throws at 5:20 to briefly regain the lead at 7-6. However, Lewis responded with consistent scoring, including a layup by Mercy Lasu at 4:44, moving ahead. Molly Knight managed a three at 1:36 to narrow the gap. The first quarter closed with Lewis leading 14-10.
Makenna Yeager’s early offensive rebound and tip-in sparked a balanced effort for the Prairie Stars in the second quarter. Mingus contributed significantly, tying the game at 17 with a fast-break layup and later hitting a key three-pointer. Both teams scored 20 points in the quarter, leaving UIS trailing by four at the half.
The Prairie Stars took control in the third quarter, sparked by a three-pointer from Kennedy Osterman at 8:32, following an assist from Rice. A subsequent fast-break layup by Yeager, also assisted by Rice, helped extend the lead. Rice continued her impact with another three at 4:27, widening the gap to six points. Despite Lewis’ efforts to respond, the Prairie Stars maintained their advantage, finishing the quarter ahead 44-40.
In the fourth quarter, the Prairie Stars worked to secured the tight victory, initially falling behind but regaining momentum with a pivotal three-pointer by Mingus at 2:47, assisted by Rice. Down the stretch, the Prairie Stars capitalized on free throws, with Rice and Knight both adding crucial points from the line. Despite Lewis’ late efforts, including a tip-in by Ally Cesarini with 12 seconds left, the Prairie Stars held firm to close out the win.
Rice recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, adding four assists and three blocks. Mingus scored 16 points, making 6 of 11 field goals and contributing two steals. Knight added eight points and tallied three assists, while also collecting two steals. Yeager finished with six points and four rebounds, contributing two steals to the defensive effort.
The Prairie Stars have a record of 12-13 overall and 9-8 in GLVC play. Lewis holds a record of 15-11 overall and 11-6 in the GLVC.
Up Next
UIS is set to host Upper Iowa in a big GLVC clash on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
