SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The Golden Eagles opened up the first game of the season today with a match against the Prairie Stars from University of Illinois Springfield. UC came up on the short end of this matchup losing 3-0.
 
The opening set was a back and forth battle between both teams. In this set the score was tied a total of seven different times throughout the game, including five different lead changes.
 
Despite their best efforts, the Golden Eagles lost the first set by a score of 25-19.
 
Charleston continued to fight the following two sets but could not get much going. They were unable to take the lead at any point in the second set, losing by a score of 16-25.
 
In the third and final set of the game, the Golden Eagles were able to tie the score up a total of four times but were unable to pull ahead. They ultimately ended up losing the set by a score of 25-19.
 
Rachel Phalen and Jessica Sunnenberg lead the charge for the Golden Eagles, both recording five kills each. Erin Thomas racked up 22 assists throughout the match.
 
For the Prairie Stars, Alli Splitt, Hannah Nicolaisen and Megan Krasowski combined for 32 kills to lead the University of Illinois Springfield to victory.
 
The Golden Eagles squared up against the University of Southern Indiana following the first game. UC fell again by a score of three sets to none.
 
Brianna Washburn lead UC with four kills While Kelsey Matusic tallied seven digs.
 
Elexis Coleman, Katherine Koch and Taylor Litteken combined for 28 kills.
 
The Golden Eagles will be back at it again tomorrow morning squaring off against Winona State at 9:00 a.m.