SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The Prairie Stars snapped a ten game losing streak in a big way Saturday, sweeping in-state GLVC opponent Lewis 4-1 and 13-3. The Prairie Stars trailed for just half an inning in each game, as their offense came alive to take down the Flyers and improve to 12-22, 4-12 on the season.

GAME ONE: ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD 4, LEWIS 1
Lewis took an early lead in the second inning, plating the first run of the day on a wild pitch with two-outs. Alexandria Smith ended the inning a batter later by striking out the nine-hold hitter. As stated though, UIS came right back with two runs of their own to take a lead they would not relinquish.

Molly Manietta singled to center to leadoff the inning and Alexa Brown --- pinch running for Manietta --- was advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Trisha Faulkner. Madi Torry laid down a perfect bunt, forcing the third baseman to make a difficult throw, resulting in the throw going wide, allowing Brown to score the tying run. Jordyn Larsen and BriAnna Edgar tallied back-to-back singled, bringing in Torry, giving Edgar the RBI and UIS the lead, 2-1.

Brittany Miller leadoff the third with a walk and was replaced for a pinch runner, Haley Inman. Inman stole her 18^th base of the season and came into score two batters later on a wild pitch.

In the fourth, UIS continued their offensive performance as Larsen was able to reach first on a drop third strike with two outs. Edgar walked and Ashli King followed with a single that brought in Larsen to push the score to 4-1.

Smith was brilliant in the circle after giving up her only run, limiting Lewis to just four hits, while striking out six. She improved to 4-9 on the season with the win. Manietta and Larsen each had two hits in the opener while Edgar had a hit and walked twice in the leadoff spot.

GAME TWO: ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD 13, LEWIS 3
Much like the first game, Lewis jumped out to an early lead, but was unable to keep pace with the Prairie Star offense after that. Jaycee Craver started in the circle and surrendered a run in the first and two in the second, but settled in to shut down the Flyers after that.

Amanda Gosbeth got things going in the second game, as UIS trailed 1-0 as they came for their first at-bat. Following a walk and an error, Gosbeth launched her team leading sixth homerun to dead center field, a three-run shot, as UIS took the lead. Alexa McClaughry doubled to left center later in the inning to bring in Torry and Brown before Larsen doubled to score McClaughry.

In total, UIS put six runs across in the first inning on four hits and took a commanding 6-1 lead.

After a two-out, two-run double from Lewis in the top of the second, UIS responded in kind by plating five in the bottom half, extending their lead to 11-3. The inning began with three consecutive hit-by-pitches to load the bases before Manietta picked up an RBI on an infield single. Torry and McClaughry put consecutive balls through the left side, scoring two, before Larsen walked to bring in another run. Edgar ended the rally with a sacrifice fly to center, as UIS extended their commanding lead.

Craver retired ten of the final 11 batters of the game, including retiring the final seven in order. Manietta hit her third homerun of the season in the third inning before King knocked in another run in the fourth.

Craver ended the day throwing five inning, giving up three earned on five hits and striking out five. The freshman righty picked up her eighth win of the season. Manietta collected two more hits in the finale while Torry and McClaughry each had two hits as well. Gosbeth and McClaughry each drove in three runs as seven different players recorded an RBI.

UIS will look to build on this sweep as they host Wisconsin – Parkside on Sunday as they continue a 14-game home stand. The second game of the day marked the first time the Prairie Stars had scored ten or more runs, or had ten or more hits since a March 16^th doubleheader with Blackburn.