GAME ONE | W, 1-0 (8 Inn.)
Illinois-Springfield edged Ohio Dominican in eight innings, securing a 1-0 extra-inning victory.
The game started as a pitcher’s duel and remained scoreless through seven innings. In the eighth, Rebecca Neupauer sparked the rally with a single and promptly stole second. Rosie Bartlettifollowed with a single to move Neupauer to third. Bartletti stole second and pinch hitter Calista Stahlhut drew a walk to load the bases. Olivia DeLuca delivered the decisive blow, lining a single to center field to score Neupauer and seal the walk-off win.
Stahlhut was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout. She allowed just five hits over eight innings while striking out six. Bartletti anchored the defense with six assists at shortstop, and Neupauer swiped three bases and scored the lone run.
“Calista threw an incredible game and showed a lot of leadership going eight shutout innings,” head coach Shannon Guthrie said. “The infield was solid behind her and Hailey did a nice job behind the plate throwing out a key runner. Rebecca did a great job of leading us off in the eighth, stealing second, and getting herself into scoring position for Olivia to drive her in. The whole team did a great job of battling the entire game and finding a way to win it.”
GAME TWO | W, 9-0 (5 Inn.)
UIS completed the sweep with a decisive 9-0 run-rule victory over Davenport in five innings, powered by two home runs from Emme Steward.
UIS broke through in the third inning. Jaden Watts singled and Neupauer reached on an error before Bartletti loaded the bases with a single. DeLuca drove in two runs with a base hit, and Steward followed with a three-run homer to give the Prairie Stars a 5-0 lead.
The momentum continued in the fourth. Bartletti walked and stole second before advancing to third on a throw. Scroggins tripled to score her, and Steward delivered again with a three-run homer – her second of the game – extending the lead to 9-0.
Bartletti was strong in the circle, throwing four scoreless innings with five strikeouts and just two hits allowed. As a staff, the Prairie Stars struck out seven over five innings while surrendering only two hits and one walk.
Steward finished with two home runs and six RBIs. Scroggins added two hits, including a triple, and an RBI. DeLuca drove in two runs and scored twice.
“After a pitcher’s duel in game one, it was awesome to see our bats light up,” Guthrie said. “Again, our speed set the table nicely and we had big RBI hits from Olivia, Emme and Calista. Emme had a great game with two huge home runs. Jaden Watts also had a really nice day and continues to find ways to get on base. Rosie threw four strong innings to start us, and Alexis closed the door for the shutout. Everyone gave great effort today – we had some key stolen bases and a ton of fun in the dome. We’re looking forward to closing out our dome stretch next week with Roosevelt.”
Up Next
UIS returns to action Wednesday afternoon with a doubleheader against Roosevelt at the dome. The matchup marks a return meeting after the Prairie Stars and Lakers faced off in Rosemont earlier this season.
