SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The Prairie Stars are winners of three of their last four games and will look to continue that trend this weekend against Rockhurst. The two-teams will meet in Springfield for a double header on Friday before concluding the series on Saturday morning in Lebanon at McKendree University.

SETTING THE SCENE
As stated, UIS has won three of their last four games, sweeping a two-game series with Kentucky State after splitting the final two games against Missouri S&T. The Prairie Star offense came alive this past week as they scored 25 runs over a two game span, beating Kentucky State 10-5 and 15-5.

Rockhurst comes into the cross-divisional series with a 6-8 record on the season. The Hawks a 0-1 on the road and are 6-7 at neutral fields after going 2-4 in a Florida road trip. The Hawks have given up at least ten runs in five of their last six games.

PITCHING/DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Through their first ten games, the Prairie Stars lead the GLVC in both team ERA and team fielding percentage. With an ERA of 2.07, UIS is one of three teams with a sub-three ERA in the conference and the only team that boasts an ERA of under 2.50.

The pitching staff is holding opponents to a .190 average, and is 52 percentage points better than the next best team.

UIS also has the best fielding percentage in the conference at .972. With just ten errors on the season, the Prairie Stars average just one error per game and only UW-Parkside has committed fewer errors than the Prairie Stars, although they have only played eight games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Adam Warda has been the biggest power threat for the Prairie Stars this season, connecting for four of the Prairie Stars' seven homeruns. He also leads the way in RBI's, driving in seven runs this season. Gabriel Acevedo has 13 hits this season, six of which have gone for extra bases.

On the mound, Chance Simpson has led the way early in the year for the Prairie Stars, putting up a 2-0 record to the tune of 1.20 ERA. Simpson has given up just nine hits in 15 innings and struck out nine batters opposed to just one walk. Matt Farrington and Jose Marin each lead the team with 11 strikeouts.

BY THE NUMBERS
1--- National rank for the UIS team WHIP. UIS is one of two teams in the nation to carry a WHIP under one (0.95).

2 --- National rank for the UIS team ERA (1.94).

13 --- National rank for UIS in fielding percentage.

16 --- Earned runs given up by UIS seniors in 58.1 innings.
 
WHO'S UP NEXT
The Prairie Stars will host #8 Quincy University on Tuesday in a 3 pm contest. Following the cross-divisional match-up, UIS will host McKendree for four games on Friday and Saturday in their first GLVC games of the season.