SPRINGFIELD, IL – The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) softball team was picked seventh in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) preseason coaches poll.
 
Along with impacting the GLVC landscape, the Prairie Stars are targeting an NCAA Division II Tournament berth.
 
"Our goal is to be a top team in the GLVC and earn a spot in the NCAA Regionals," UIS head coach Shannon Guthrie said.
 
STARS OF NOTE
 
UIS returns Ali Haesele, Rachel Goff and Jaycee Craver, which account for 92.4 percent of the innings tossed in last year's pitching staff.
 
"Ali Haesele and Jaycee Craver will lead in the pitching circle," said Guthrie, who enters her fourth season as head coach of the Prairie Stars. "Jaycee was all-conference last year. Ali is our leadoff hitter who also plays third when she isn't pitching. Rachel Goff brings a lot of experience to our pitching staff as she enters her fourth year at UIS."
 
Haesele compiled a 17-7 record, a 2.54 ERA and .229 opponent batting average. The senior from Minier, IL struck out 142 batters in 154 innings. Haesele also posted a .290 batting average.
 
Craver closed out last season with a 10-10 record and a 2.86 ERA.
 
Goff put together a 3-3 record and a 2.39 ERA.
 
On the offensive end, the Prairie Stars return seven starters.
 
"There is a good mix of power and speed."
 
Madi Torry returns after starting in center field as a freshman and sophomore. The junior from Chatham, IL posted a .336 bating average and a .409 on-base percentage.
 
Morgan Edwards contributed a .303 batting average as well as team-highs six home runs and 31 RBIS.  Erin Stroup put together a .303 batting average in addition to producing five homers and 14 stolen bases. Katie Wooldridge provided a .338 batting average.
 
"On the infield, Morgan Edwards, Erin Stroup, and Katie Wooldridge all return with very important roles."
 
UIS freshmen Ali Bortmess, Calla Wickenhauser, Kendra Peifer, Natalie Cokel, Breanna Robbins, Payton Sturdy and Brey Genenbacher look to make their impact on the team this season.
 
"Our freshmen will definitely help us throughout the season. Calla Wickenhauser and Ali Bortmess both bring strong bats that will help our lineup. Natalie Cokel is one of the best pure outfielders. Kendra Peifer will help us in a number of positions including infield and behind the plate, and Brey Genenbacher will get an opportunity to add depth to our pitching staff."
 
6-STATE CLASSIC
The Prairie Stars are slated for four games in the 6-State Classic in Emporia, KS. On Saturday, UIS battles Northeastern State University at 1 p.m. and Missouri Southern State University at 3 p.m.
 
"We have not played Northeastern State in my coaching career so that will be an exciting opponent to start off with. They will be a good challenge and from what I see, have a balanced mix of players. Missouri Southern State always gives us a battle and always has a powerful offense. It will be a good test for our pitching staff to see where we are."
 
The Prairie Stars close out the 6-State Classic on Sunday as they clash with Southwest Baptist University at 9 a.m. and the University of Central Missouri at 3 p.m.
 
"Southwest Baptist is always a well-coached team with solid fundamentals.  Central Missouri will be a great game to end on. They have a strong tradition of softball, and it will definitely be a good softball battle."
 
UIS expects to fight the disadvantage of debuting its season later than each of its opponents.
 
"All the teams we play this weekend have some games under their belt. We will have to come out attacking and play our game. It will be good to get against this competition and really see where we are."
 
LOOKING AHEAD
The Prairie Stars will depend on consistency to work towards a successful season.
 
"This team understands that every game they play is important in helping us reach our goal of playing in the post season."
 
In order to work towards advancing to nationals and becoming one of the best teams in the GLVC, the Prairie Stars expect contributions from a variety of areas.
 
"It does not rely on any one person. We have a lot of depth, and if everyone does their job and executes in her role, we will be successful. We will rely on our pitchers to bring leadership to the circle, and rely on our offense to put a lot of pressure on the defense. We want to utilize our speed and power to really create an offense that is fun and explosive. We have a good balance all around where we don't need to rely on any one position."