The University of Illinois Springfield softball team will begin their season at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic in Bentonville, Arkansas this weekend.

At the Alvy Early Memorial Classic, the Prairie Stars will play four teams from the Central Region, out of the GAC and MIAA. UIS plays Newman at 11:00 a.m. and Central Missouri at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. The Prairie Stars face Missouri Southern at 11:00 a.m. and Harding at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. 

UIS (0-0)

The Prairie Stars were tabbed to finish sixth in the GLVC Preseason Coaches' Poll, while coming off back-to-back 30+ win seasons. UIS finished the 2023 season with a 34-24 overall record and a 14-10 mark in conference play. UIS earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and was named the 5th seed in the Midwest Region. Nine Prairie Stars earned All-GLVC honors in 2023 and the Prairie Stars ranked No. 7 in NCAA DII stolen bases. Four of the nine All-GLVC honorees return for the 2024 season. Second-teamers Taylor Zawacki (P/UT) and Isabella Wilson (1B) return for their junior year. Third-teamers Ella Brinkley (3B) and Kelsie Burrows (OF) return for their junior and senior seasons. 

Newman (2-1)

The Jets began their season last weekend with a three-game series against East Central. Newman was picked to finish 13th in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll after going 17-39 and 5-21 in conference play in the 2023 season. Sophomore, Gianna Navarro (IF) earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention for the second season in a row. 

Central Missouri (0-0)

The Jennies also open their season at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic this weekend. Central Missouri was picked to finish 6th in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll after going 33-21 and 16-10 in conference play in the 2023 season. MaKenzie Cooper (OF) and Paige Petefish (P) return to UCM after receiving All-MIAA Honorable Mention for the 2023 season.

Missouri Southern (5-0)

The Lions began their season last weekend at the Ronnie Hawkins/Mike McGhee Memorial Tournament where they won all five games. Missouri Southern was picked to finish 3rd in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll after going 41-15 and 21-5 in conference play in the 2023 season. The Lions earned a 2 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament. MSSU also finished 2023 ranked 21st in the final NFCA Coaches Poll. Yazmin Vargas (OF) returns for her senior year after earning back-to-back first-team All-MIAA selections. Adrianna Young (OF) also returns for her senior season after being named to the All-MIAA gold glove team. Avery Tallman (P), Katie Gray (1B), Emily Perry (OF), and Kara Amos (P/UT) all return after earning All-MIAA Honorable Mention for the 2023 season.

Harding (2-2)

The Bisons began their season last weekend at the Mardis Gras Invitational where they won their first two games before falling to two ranked opponents. Harding was picked to finish 3rd in the GAC Preseason Coaches' Poll after going 46-14 and 26-7 in conference play in the 2023 season. The Lady Bisons earned the 4 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament. Harding finished the 2023 season ranked 25th in the final NFCA Coaches Poll. They return four First-Team All-GAC honorees in Abby Burch (P), Riley Price (P), Chelsea Blankenship (C), and Macy Ham (OF). Emma Curry (IF, Second-Team All-GAC) and Madison Fraley (OF, honorable mention All-GAC) both return as well. 

How to Follow

Each game will be live streamed on UIS Softball's Facebook page.