Springfield, Ill. – The Maryville women's volleyball team appeared to be ready to close out host Illinois Springfield but the Prairie Stars rallied to edge the Saints. UIS prevailed 20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-18, 15-7 Saturday afternoon. Grace Graham and Ella Brinkmann both finished with 15 kills apiece, while Brinkmann paced three Saints who all recorded at least 20 digs with a season-high 25.
 
UIS recap                                   
The Saints held UIS to a .026 hitting percentage to take set one. The score was tied at 13-13 until Brinkmann had a kill and a UIS error pushed the Saints up 15-13. Maryville still was up 22-20 before scoring three straight to close out a 25-20 win. The second set was also close throughout and the contest was tied at 22-22. Graham recorded a kill and a hitting error by UIS pushed Maryville to set point. Brinkmann converted for a 2-0 set lead.
 
The Maryville attack slipped in set three as UIS heated up. The Prairie Stars led by seven points before the Saints made a charge. Maryville tallied four straight and six of seven points to get as close as 23-21. The teams traded points before UIS converted a set point to win its first set. In the fourth, Karolina Rodowski's kill pulled the Saints to within 17-15 until the hosts scored six consecutive points and eventually leveled the match at 2-2.
 
In the deciding set, UIS scored the first three points until Brinkmann converted to get the Saints on the scoreboard. The Prairie Stars kept the lead at 7-5 and again at 10-7 after another Rodowski kill. However. USI scored five straight to complete the rally.
 
Statistical Leaders
Kills: Ella Brinkmann and Grace Graham - 15
Hitting Percentage: Grace Graham - .256
Assists: Abbie Schnell - 28
Service Aces: Abbie Schnell - 3
Digs: Ella Brinkmann - 25
Blocks: Taylor Keck - 6
 
Records
Maryville: 9-4, 0-2 GLVC
Illinois Springfield: 5-6, 1-1 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints will finally host their first home match of the season as Fontbonne comes to Moloney Arena Tuesday, Sept. 20, for a 7 p.m. contest.