ROLLA, MO- Looking for a win to start the new year, the Miners hosted the Prairie Stars of Illinois Springfield (3-1, 3-1 GLVC). S&T stayed within reach of the Prairie Stars all day, but in the end, UIS would take a 72-61 win.

S&T jumped out to a quick 9-3 lead after S&T got consecutive buckets from Kristen Keys (St. Louis, MO/Westminster Christian Academy), Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy), and Eryn Puett (Columbia, MO/Rock Bridge).

Illinois Springfield's defense would hold the Miners silent in the second part of the opening quarter while finishing the final 3:48 on a 10-2 run to take a 20-15 lead going into the second quarter.

The Prairie Stars would keep their lead in the second quarter, pushing it out to as much as nine after back-to-back free-throws from UIS's Lauren Ladowski.

The Miners would get back within five of Illinois Springfield just before the break after Shanice Uwase (Portland, Ore./Westview) and Kristin Steins (Ballwin, Mo./Parkway South) sank back-to-back lay-ups to make it a 36-31 game at the half.

S&T's offense struggled to get started in the third quarter; they were held to just 12 points and 5-18 shooting in the 10-minute stretch. Illinois Springfield would use that to their advantage and take their largest lead of the game at 54-43 after Liz Uhl completed an -and one play at the end of the third.

With a double-digit deficit, the Miners did all they could to get back within reaching distance of the Prairie Stars. S&T got five quick points from Kristen Keys (St. Louis, MO/Westminster Christian Academy) to open the quarter and make it a 57-48 game. Keys and Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) would cut Illinois Springfield's lead to seven after Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) sank a lay-up and Kristen Keys (St. Louis, MO/Westminster Christian Academy) made a free-throw on consecutive trips down the floor.

But, the Prairie Stars offense could not be stopped, getting momentum after two made three-pointers from Malea Jackson. UIS would use that push to eventually take the 72-61 win.

Kristen Keys (St. Louis, MO/Westminster Christian Academy) had a career day for the Miners with a team-leading 18 points while going 7-14 from the field. Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy) picked up her fourth double-double of the season with 17 points and 16 rebounds while Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) added in 10 points.

As a team, Missouri S&T (1-7, 1-7 GLVC) shot 43.1% from the field.