EAST PEORIA, Ill. - Despite hitting three home runs, the University of Illinois Springfield softball team dropped an 8-6 decision the sixth-seeded Lewis on Friday afternoon at the EastSide Centre in the second round of the GLVC Tournament. UIS now plays Rockhurst in the elimination bracket on Saturday at 11 a.m.

The Flyers plated two runs in the second and the third to take a four-run lead. Lewis then tacked on another run in the fifth for a 5-0 lead.

Sophomore Amanda Gosbeth hit a solo home run in the sixth to end the shut out for the home team before UIS got things going in the seventh. It was her fifth home run of the season. Lewis then responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame to make in an 8-1 game.

In the top of the seventh, Brittany Miller hit a solo home run to close the gap to six runs. UIS then put two runners on with walks with one out. A pop up to short made it a two-out game and Lewis was just one batter from ending them game. The Prairie Stars had other ideas though.

Gosbeth sent her second hit of the game to the outfield to load the bases for junior Molly Manietta to step to the plate. She then sent her fourth bomb of the season over the center field fence for a grand slam to pull the Stars within, 8-6. With the base paths clear, Flyer pitcher Lainie Schweickert forced a pop out to end any more threats and continued the Flyers trek through the winners bracket.

Schweickert (10-8) scattered six runs and seven hits, while fanning six batters. UIS starting pitcher Taylor Bowlby (20-9) was tagged with the loss, surrendering two runs and five hits, while striking out four.

Fans can follow the Prairie Stars at GLVCSports.com. If Illinois Springfield wins, the Prairie Stars face off with the winner of the Indianapolis/Truman State game at 3 p.m.