The UIS softball team opens the 2026 season on the road Friday with a non-conference doubleheader against Roosevelt in The Dome at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., with online live statistics available.

Friday's matchup begins a stretch of non-conference play for the Prairie Stars ahead of several upcoming tournament weekends, including multiple dates at the Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park later this month.

Illinois Springfield
UIS enters the season after a strong 2025 campaign, finishing 33-20 overall and 17-11 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. The Prairie Stars recorded doubleheader sweeps against Purdue Northwest, Lake Erie, Quincy, Parkside, Rockhurst, UMSL, William Jewell, and Upper Iowa, and were swept by a GLVC opponent only twice—at Truman State in the season opener and at Lewis in the regular-season finale.

Speed and pitching highlighted last year's success. UIS stole 117 bases while allowing just 46, and the pitching staff combined for 376 strikeouts. Rosie Bartletti accounted for 236 of those strikeouts and returns to anchor the Prairie Stars' staff once again.

UIS advanced to the GLVC Tournament championship game a season ago and enters 2026 with goals of returning to the conference final and pushing beyond, with the NCAA Tournament in sight after last appearing in 2023.

The Prairie Stars bring back a deep and experienced roster that also features nine newcomers expected to contribute throughout the season.

Roosevelt
Roosevelt begins its season Friday as well, opening an eight-game homestand in The Dome. The Lakers return their top pitcher in Riley Czarnecki, along with three additional pitchers who logged innings last season, giving Roosevelt continuity in the circle despite a young staff.

Offensively, Roosevelt is led by junior Ella Dvoracek, who hit .385 a year ago and returns as the Lakers' top hitter.
UIS and Roosevelt will meet again later this month when the Lakers travel to Springfield for a doubleheader at the Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m.