The University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball team celebrated both Senior Day and ending the season on a high note after escaping with a 72-69 victory over the Lewis Flyers in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game Saturday.
The Prairie Stars finished 8-18 overall and 3-15 in the GLVC.
“It’s too bad that it has to end because I think we have hit our stride,” UIS coach Marne Fauser said. “I wish we could have made the conference tournament, especially for our seniors, but we played well. I’m really happy for the seniors, but I’m excited for the future.’’
A pair of freshman led the Prairie Stars: Mallory Beck scored 20 points and Alyssa Palmer added 19. After a scoreless first half, senior Paulina Pogorzelski rang up the Stars’ first nine points of the second half. She finished with 10.
A free throw by Beck put UIS ahead 68-58 with 3 minutes, 47 seconds left at The Recreation and Athletic Center. The Flyers closed the gap using an 11-2 run. The scoring flurry culminated with a layup by Kelly Monaco, and Lewis pulled within 70-69 with 47 seconds remaining.
UIS junior Cristina Nevins sealed the win with a pair of free throws with 38 seconds left.
The win was featured in a February 20, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
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