Determination, courage, ambition, and passion are just some of the adjectives that may come to mind when thinking about a description of the game that the women’s UIS Prairie Stars team played against the University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles on the afternoon of Feb. 18.

The Prairie Stars outscored the Screaming Eagles in the second half 40-26, but despite the effort, UIS still came up short.

In the final moments of the game, UIS drove down the court to potentially tie the game with a last-second basket by Shelbi Patterson. But after further review, it was determined that she did not get the shot off in time. The final score ended with a 77-75 difference.

The scoring was balanced throughout the game as the teams had a combined total of nine players reach double digits, with five coming from UIS and four coming from USI.

Overall, the game was a tale of two halves, as the Prairie Stars appeared to be lifeless in the first half but picked up the intensity in the second with the game coming down to the wire.

There was a more physical undertone displayed toward the end of the game, and Meredith Marti seemed to have sparked that tone as she shot 50 percent from behind the arc.

In the steal category, UIS triumphed with a total of 14, while USI came up with a mere five. The assist totals were up for both teams as UIS had 15 and USI had 14.

When asked how her team plans to use this game as a lesson going forward, Ashley McHenry replied by saying that she feels that they “Should build off this game, the starters are going to have to come out stronger and do things differently offensively.”

Patterson finished with a team-leading 18 points. Additionally, Marti recorded 15 points and Syerra Cunningham contributed 12 points.

UIS did not have a strong showing on Feb. 20 as Bellarmine visited The Recreation and Athletic Center and blew out the Prairie Stars by 20 points, 73-53.

Bellarmine played a dominant game throughout, outscoring UIS in both halves of the Senior Day game.

Turnovers played a huge role in the defeat as UIS coughed up the ball a total of 24 times.

Despite the losing effort, Cunningham performed at a considerable level as she was able to record a double-double after collecting 22 points and 16 rebounds. Cunningham led both teams in both statistical categories. Additionally, Marti finished with 17 points.

UIS recognized four seniors after the game: Marti, McHenry, Morgan Knorr, and Leslie Hairston.

While discussing the fact that it was her last home game of her Prairie Stars basketball career, Marti stated, “Knowing it was my last season and being able to play with my teammates meant everything to me.”

The Prairie Stars will finish off the season on Feb. 25 as they face off against McKendree in Lebanon, Illinois.