The University of Illinois Springfield softball team will open its 2023 season this weekend at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic in Bentonville, Ark.

The Prairie Stars kick off competition at the Alvy Early Memorial Invitational against Washburn on Friday at 1:00 p.m. for their first of five games. On Saturday, Feb. 11, UIS will play Lincoln University (Mo.) at 11 a.m. and Rogers State at 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 12, the Prairie Stars will take on Missouri Western at 11 a.m. and Missouri Southern at 1:30 p.m.

UIS softball recorded its fifth 30-win season in 2022. The Prairie Stars reached the GLVC Tournament and finished the year with a 31-19 overall record and a 15-13 conference mark.

UIS was voted No. 4 in the GLVC preseason poll. The Prairie Stars return Second Team All-GLVC selections Danielle Dennis and Jillian Mathis to the roster in 2023.

UIS will start the season with a series of tournaments, including the Springfield Invitational on March 4-5. The Prairie Stars will then travel to Clermont, Fla. for The Spring Games on March 10-15. Conference play begins in St. Louis on March 18th versus the Maryville Saints. 

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