SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The Prairie Stars will host Lewis and Wisconsin – Parkside this weekend as they embark on a 14-game home stand, that includes 12 conference games, that will play a large role in deciding their post-season fate. UIS has 18 games remaining on the schedule --- 16 in conference --- as they end their season on the road at Rockhurst and William Jewell.

SETTING THE SCENE
UIS (10-22, 2-12) is coming off a doubleheader loss to McKendree in which their bats got going a little too late. They scored six runs in the final five innings of the game but were shut out up to that point. The Prairie Stars have fallen in 12 straight conference games after winning their opening series against Quincy.

Lewis (15-17-1, 4-9-1) is coming off a midweek loss and tie to Wisconsin – Parkside, falling 5-0 before tying in the second game 7-7. The Flyers are 3-4-1 in their last eight games and are 5-8 against teams that UIS has played as well. The Flyers currently sit in 11^th in the GLVC standings.

Wisconsin – Parkside (4-25, 1-12) is coming off their first conference win of the season, after beating Lewis 5-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. Prior to the win, the Rangers had lost 16 straight contests.

IN A RUT
Over the past ten games, the Prairie are hitting just .179 as a team and have scored 23 runs over that span. In addition, the team ERA is 6.46, giving up 100 hits in just 60.2 innings.

SECOND HALF SWING
Despite the losing streak, the Prairie Stars are built for a second half push, having only two more games against teams in the top half of the conference remaining. Of their 16 conference games, 14 of those games are against teams currently outside of the playoff race, meaning they still have a good chance to put together a strong second half for a playoff push.

CONFERENCE STATISTICS
UIS currently sits in a tie for 6^th with Lewis in total doubles, totaling 41 on the season. They rank 9^th in homeruns, leaving the yard 20 times this season as well as sit third in stolen bases, swiping 49 bags on the season, while only being caught seven times.

WHO'S ON DECK
Following this week, the Prairie Stars will host the #1 team in the nation, the University of Indianapolis before hosting Saint Joseph's the following day. UIndy took over the top spot in the nation this week as they improved to 31-0 on the year. Saint Joseph's is 7-7 in the conference but has a similar overall record as UIS at 10-23.