The Illinois Springfield softball team (5-3) showcased an impressive performance to start the UIS Springfield Clinic Classic on Thursday afternoon, securing a decisive 13-1 victory over Lake Erie (0-1) in its first game and following it up with a 6-0 win in the second game against the same opponent at the new Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park.

GAME ONE | W, 13-1
The Prairie Stars accumulated 13 hits and registered 10 RBIs, while starting pitcher Calista Stahlhut limited the Lake Erie Storm to just three hits and struck out seven batters. Ill.-Springfield established control with a decisive five-run first inning. Rosie Bartletti ignited the offense with a single and two stolen bases, eventually scoring on defensive indifference as Chloe Scroggins advanced. Sidney Sawyer's RBI single and Koral Keehner's two-RBI single to center field further extended the lead, making it 5-0 after the first.

The third inning proved to be the most productive for the Prairie Stars, where they capitalized on an error and a series of hits to score six runs. After Hailey Niebrugge reached on an error, Calista Stahlhut's double drove in an unearned run. Additional hits, including RBI singles by Rebecca Neupauer and Sophie Rivera, widened the gap significantly, bringing the score to 12-0 after the third inning. Lake Erie managed to put a run on the board in the top of the fifth inning, but the Prairie Stars maintained their strong defensive performance, concluding the game with a final score of 13-1.

Rosie Bartletti went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a team-high four stolen bases. Bailey Masching added a two-hit game with a double, while Calista Stahlhut finished 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and a walk. Emme Steward scored three times and drove in a run, and Sophie Rivera delivered two RBIs on her hit. 

Stahlhut improved to 1-1 with the win. 

"Calista started us off on a great note with a four-pitch first inning," said head coach Shannon Guthrie. "Then being able to get Rosie on base and move her around led to a nice five-run first inning. I thought Hailey and Calista did a great job working together as a battery and leading us through the game. I was very happy to see everyone who came in play with enthusiasm and take advantage of opportunities. Bailey Masching had great at-bats every time she stepped up. As a team, they played hard and did a lot of good things to secure a big game one win."

GAME TWO | W, 6-0
In the second game, UIS continued its dominance with a 6-0 win over Lake Erie. The home team established an early lead in the first inning when Olivia DeLuca doubled to center field, driving in Rosie Bartletti for a 1-0 lead after one inning. A pivotal moment came in the third inning when the UIS offense erupted for four runs. Chloe Scroggins started the rally with a walk, and subsequent singles from DeLuca and Sidney Sawyer, along with a sacrifice fly by Hailey Niebrugge, contributed to the scoring surge, extending the lead to 5-0 after the third inning.

In the sixth inning, DeLuca made a significant impact again with a triple to right field, followed by an RBI single from Emme Steward, adding an additional run to the tally and bringing the score to 6-0 after six. Lake Erie was unable to generate any momentum, as starting pitcher Rosie Bartletti held them scoreless throughout the game. The Prairie Stars' defense proved effective, allowing only four hits and no errors.

Rosie Bartletti delivered a standout performance in the second game, pitching a complete game shutout over seven innings. Bartletti allowed just four hits and one walk while striking out 11 batters, leading the Prairie Stars to their second win of the day. She is now 4-1. 

Olivia DeLuca scored two runs and collected three hits in the second game, including a double and a triple. Emme Steward added to the scoring with two hits and one RBI in the second game, alongside two walks. Bailey Masching scored once and drove in a run, contributing one hit and two walks to the team's efforts.

"It was great to complete the day with a sweep," Guthrie added. "Rosie pitched a strong game and led the way defensively with a dominant performance in the circle. I was really happy with Olivia and Emme's at-bats — they worked the count, saw a lot of pitches, and had great days at the plate. Liv had one of the best hits of the day with her triple in the gap, and Emme found a way to get on base every time up. It was great to be at home in the new dome, and we're excited to be back tomorrow!"

The Prairie Stars improved their overall record to 5-3, while Lake Erie fell to 0-2.

Up Next
UIS is set for a 10:30 a.m. doubleheader against Thomas More University on Saturday. Thomas More opened its season at the tournament with a pair of losses to Missouri S&T.