GAME ONE | W, 5-1
UIS earned a 5-1 victory over Union (TN) at Warner Field, powered by three home runs and a strong defensive effort. The Prairie Stars finished with 14 hits while holding Union to five.
UIS struck first in the opening inning when starting pitcher Rosie Bartletti launched a solo home run to left field. Union was held scoreless in the bottom of the frame, as the defense recorded two strikeouts and a pop-up to end the inning.
The Prairie Stars added to their lead in the fifth inning when freshman starting catcher Rachel McMullen connected on a solo home run to left field, extending the advantage to 2-0. Union was again retired in order in the bottom half of the inning.
UIS broke the game open in the sixth inning with a three-run rally. Emme Steward led off the inning with a solo home run to left field, another UIS freshman with their career-first. After Erin Pulliam reached on a walk and a pinch runner entered, Bailey Masching doubled to advance the runner to third. Pinch hitter Calista Stahlhut followed with an RBI single, and McMullen capped the scoring with an RBI single to put the Prairie Stars ahead 5-0.
Elizabeth Grube closed out the final two innings in the circle. Union managed to get on the board in the seventh inning with an RBI triple, but UIS shut down any further threats to close out the 5-1 victory.
UIS totaled five extra-base hits, including a home run by Rosie Bartletti, who improved her pitching record to 2-0. Notably, two home runs came from Prairie Stars freshmen, highlighting the early-season power contributions from the newcomers.
“Rosie and Rachel were the duo of the game,” head coach Shannon Guthrie said. “Rachel did a terrific job behind the plate to complement Rosie perfectly. They also both started our offense with their solo home runs to get us going. Emme Steward had the blast of the day, scorching one way out of the park. The offense had a great morning, putting together 14 hits and having a lot of tough at-bats. Defensively, I was really happy to see us come out fundamentally strong and show great softball IQ to make smart plays. It was a great start to the weekend.”
GAME TWO | L, 7-6 (8 innings)
UIS fell 7-6 in an extra-inning thriller against Palm Beach Atlantic. Sunny and windy conditions tested the teams.
Palm Beach Atlantic jumped out to an early lead, scoring on a groundout RBI, a sacrifice fly, and an RBI double to take a 3-0 advantage. The Sailfish added to their lead in the third inning, using a two-run double and an unearned run to extend the margin to 6-0.
UIS began its comeback in the fourth inning. Olivia DeLuca singled down the right-field line to drive in Rosie Bartletti, and a wild pitch allowed Chloe Scroggins to score. Erin Pulliam followed with a sacrifice fly to bring DeLuca home, trimming the deficit to 6-3.
The Prairie Stars continued to chip away in the fifth inning. Scroggins singled up the middle to drive in Sophie Rivera, and Bartletti later scored on a throwing error. Emme Steward doubled to right-center field to bring Scroggins home and tie the game at 6-6.
After two scoreless innings, Palm Beach Atlantic pushed across the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth inning on a stolen base of home, taking a 7-6 lead. UIS was unable to answer in the bottom of the inning, and the Sailfish held on to secure the one-run victory.
Scroggins finished with two hits and an RBI, while Steward added two hits including a double. Bartletti scored twice, and DeLuca drove in a run. UIS totaled nine hits in the contest.
“After being down 6-0, it was good to see us come back, battle, and tie the game up,” head coach Shannon Guthrie said. “I credit Liz Grube with shutting the door when she entered in relief. Hailey Niebrugge and Emme Steward both had very clutch hits, and it was great to see our offense adjust the second time through the order. Rosie and Chloe batting first and second did a nice job of turning the tides in the fourth inning to get us going offensively. There were some great plays, but ultimately we need to be better in those first innings to keep those runs off the board. Props to our team for battling and giving it their all the entire game.”
Up Next
UIS continues play at the Chattanooga Invitational on Saturday, facing Cedarville at 10:00 a.m. CT, followed by Shorter at 12:30 p.m. CT.
