UIS outlasts Indianapolis for fourth conference win
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) women's basketball team outlasted the University of Indianapolis with a 68-65 victory during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) matchup at TRAC.
UIS (7-12, 4-7) topped the Greyhounds (8-12, 2-8) for the first time in program history.
"It was a great team effort with balanced scoring and contributions from our bench," UIS coach Mark Kost said.
Influencing much of the game was the battle in the paint, which accounted for 51.1 percent of the game's scoring. Both teams turned in 34 points apiece in the paint.
Lauren Ladowski led the Prairie Stars with 14 points and five assists. Tehya Fortune provided 12 points and a team-high six rebounds. Val Meissner also delivered 12 points. Lanie Hicks contributed a career-high 11 points. Jasmine Sangster turned in 10 points, Katelyn Rosner scored five points while Ellie Mitchell and Gabrielle Sanders rounded out the UIS scoring effort with two points each. Sanders also blocked two shots.
Laura Thomas paced the Greyhounds with 23 points and six assists. She also hit each of her eight free-throw attempts. Emma Benoit recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Alexa Bailey dished out four assists.
Throughout the game, the Prairie Stars were able to receive the benefits of the home-court crowd.
"Our crowd was awesome and energized our team. We need that to continue when we return home."
UIS kicks off a five-game road stand next week. The Prairie Stars battle Rockhurst University (6-13, 2-9) on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in Kansas City, Mo. UIS then clashes with William Jewell College (9-10, 3-8) on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Liberty, Mo.
