The Illinois Springfield softball team continues its early-season road slate this weekend, traveling to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the Chattanooga Invitational hosted by Lee University. UIS will play four games over two days, facing a mix of familiar and non-regional opponents as it looks to build momentum in week two of the season. Three of the Prairie Stars' four opponents hail from outside the Midwest region, offering UIS an early opportunity to test itself against new competition.

Chattanooga Invitational Schedule
Friday, Feb. 6

• 9:00 a.m. CT (10:00 a.m. ET) – vs. Union (Tenn.)
• 2:00 p.m. CT (3:00 p.m. ET) – vs. Palm Beach Atlantic

Saturday, Feb. 7

• 10:00 a.m. CT (11:00 a.m. ET) – vs. Cedarville
• 12:30 p.m. CT (1:30 p.m. ET) – vs. Shorter

Illinois Springfield (1-1)
UIS opened the 2026 season with a Friday doubleheader at Roosevelt last weekend, splitting the two games. The Prairie Stars claimed a 3-0 win in the opener behind a dominant pitching performance from Rosie Bartletti, who tossed a five-strikeout shutout and was later named GLVC Pitcher of the Week.

The second game resulted in a narrow 2-1 loss, though several positives emerged. Freshman Sidney Sawyer made an immediate impact, going 3-for-3 to begin her collegiate career. Bailey Masching recorded a two-hit day, while Rosie Bartletti accounted for the Prairie Stars' lone extra-base hit across the doubleheader.

In the circle, Alexis Carroll started game two and allowed just one run across five innings, while Calista Stahlhut worked in relief and surrendered one run. As UIS enters its second weekend, the Prairie Stars will look to complement their pitching depth with increased offensive production.

Union (Tenn.) (0-4)
Union enters the weekend searching for its first win after opening the season against three nationally ranked opponents. The Bulldogs have yet to score a run but showed resilience throughout a challenging opening slate that included weather-related schedule changes.

Despite the record, Union's pitching staff has held its own. Rylee Moore leads the staff with a 0.00 ERA, while Riley Vaughn and Emily Claire Felder provide additional depth in the circle.

Offensively, Union has been paced by Nashville native Chloe Jones, whose only two hits on the season have both gone for doubles. The Bulldogs will be eager to generate momentum as they return to Tennessee this weekend.

Palm Beach Atlantic (0-2)
Palm Beach Atlantic dropped its first two games of the season, both close contests, including an extra-inning opener against Keiser. The Sailfish are in their first season under head coach Kasey Cox and have shown flashes of potential despite the early results.

Offensively, Miranda Rollins (.667 average), Lauren O'Brien (.429), and Kaitlyn Campbell (.286, three stolen bases) have led the lineup. In the circle, Rylee Little has been strong through her first start, posting a 0.00 ERA over 8.0 innings with eight strikeouts.

Cedarville
Cedarville represents a familiar early-season opponent for UIS, though the Yellow Jackets will be opening their 2026 campaign this weekend. The Prairie Stars defeated Cedarville 6-2 to begin last season.

The Yellow Jackets return key pieces, including all-region outfielder Ella Leonard, who hit .360 and stole 20 bases a year ago. In the circle, Maya Merrill and Kara Adkins anchor the pitching staff. Merrill led the team with 126.0 innings pitched last season, providing Cedarville with a reliable presence to open the year.

Shorter (2-0)
Shorter enters the tournament undefeated after sweeping Lee last weekend. The Hawks showcased their offensive potential in a 12-9 win before grinding out a 3-2 victory in the nightcap.

Katie Williams highlighted the opening doubleheader with a 3-for-4, two-RBI performance, while Zariah Webb and Anna Sanders delivered key extra-base hits in game two. Hayden Joyner earned the win in the circle, throwing a complete game while allowing just two runs.

Follow Along
Live statistics will be available for all games throughout the Chattanooga Invitational and can be accessed via the links on the UIS softball schedule page.