SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The Prairie Stars (6-9) closed out a four-game series with Saginaw Valley State (9-6) in dramatic fashion, as Amanda Gosbeth hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12^th inning to win 8-7. Illinois Springfield erased an early three-run deficit and then scored the tying run in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings before winning in the 12^th. This followed a 1-0 loss in game one in which UIS had the tying run on second in the final inning.

GAME ONE: SAGINAW VALLEY 1, ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD 0
Ali Haesele (4-3) ended up on the wrong side of a pitching duel for the second time in a week, as she surrendered just one run across seven innings. For the second time in the last seven days, Haesele surrendered a run in the top of the first inning and that run went on to be the game-winner.

This time, after retiring the first two batters, Saginaw Valley connected for a solo homerun to left field.

UIS had trouble against Cardinal starter, as they didn't record a baserunner until the seventh inning on a one-out single from Madi Torry. However, despite the lack of offense, UIS got another single from Erin Stroup and had the tying run on second with two outs. BriAnna Edgar had a chance to tie the game but flew out to left to end the game.

Haesele ended the game with a complete game, giving up one run on four hits and striking out five.

GAME TWO: ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD 8, SAGINAW VALLEY 7
The Prairie Stars fell behind early in game two, giving up three runs in the top of the first on two doubles. Jaycee Craver started on the mound but was relieved by Rachel Goff in the third.

In the fourth inning, the bats finally came to life for the Prairie Stars, aided by a few Cardinal errors. Haesele began the inning by reaching on an error and advanced on a single from Torry. Another error scored a run for UIS and was followed by an RBI single by Edgar.

UIS tied the game at three on an RBI single from Gosbeth. Allison Rose got in on the action with a pinch hit RBI single before Lakyn Wagoner followed suit in a pinch hitting role, hitting an RBI double to left center. Bree Derhake closed out the six-run inning with a single, giving UIS a 6-3 lead.

The lead held until the top of the sixth when the Cardinals benefited from a grand slam, taking a 7-6 lead.

Not going without a fight, the Prairie Stars were once again sparked by Haesele, who opened the inning with a single through the right side. Haley Inman pinch ran for the pitcher, who advanced to second on a walk to Torry. With two-outs and the tying run on second, Edgar found herself in a similar situation, but this time hit a one-hop shot to the shortstop, who couldn't handle it, scoring Inman to tie the game.

In extra's, each team had their chances to score but it was UIS who came out victorious after Edgar hit a one-out double to left center, setting up Gosbeth for the RBI single.

Haesele picked up the win in relief, throwing 6.2 innings, giving up one run on four hits and striking out five.

UIS will now travel to Florida for a week to play eight games on four different dates. Once the Florida swing concludes, the Prairie Stars will begin conference play at UMSL on March 18^th. UIS will return home on March 25^th against Quincy.