The University of Illinois Springfield softball came alive on Sunday afternoon and led the Prairie Stars to a GLVC sweep over McKendree. The team won by scores of 7-5 and 11-7.
 
In the first game, UIS was outhit 9-6, but it took better advantage of its opportunities. The Prairie Stars only left three runners on base, compared to 11 for the Bearcats. The big play came in the top of the sixth with UIS ahead 4-3. Zoie Bowman hit a two-run triple, and then scored as well to give the team enough cushion for the win.
 
Bowman finished the game with two hits and three RBI. Seven different Prairie Stars scored in the game. On the mound, Payton Long threw four innings for the win. She struck out six batters and allowed just five hits and three runs. Reagan Miles collected the final three outs for the save.
 
In game two, UIS collected 11 hits and 11 runs. Five of those runs and three of the hits came in a five-run seventh inning that gave the Prairie Stars some needed insurance runs.
 
Jillian Mathis had three hits, including a homer, and also finished with three RBI. Danielle Dennis had two hits, two RBI, and a team-high three runs. Carly Chovanec and Kayana Diederich had two runs apiece, and Carolyn Franke drove in two.
 
On the mound, Miles earned the win after throwing five innings and allowing five hits and one run. Long earned the save in the second game after recording the final two outs.
 
UIS improves to 18-8 on the season and 2-4 in GLVC play. The Prairie Stars travel to Southern Indiana for a doubleheader on Monday afternoon.