Illinois Springfield softball (16-6) faced Ohio Dominican (6-8) in a doubleheader at Panther Field in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, securing a 5-2 victory in the first game followed by a commanding 4-0 win in the second

GAME ONE | W, 5-2
Ohio Dominican took an early lead with a solo home run by Lilly Irvine in the first inning, putting the score at 1-0. However, UIS responded in a big way during the second inning. Calista Stahlhut doubled and scored on Hailey Niebrugge's career-first home run. Rebecca Neupauer then singled, stole second, and scored on a Rosie Bartletti single, who later stole home after Olivia DeLuca walked. By the end of the inning, the Prairie Stars led 4-1.

The Prairie Stars added to their lead in the fourth inning when Olivia DeLuca doubled, allowing Rebecca Neupauer, who reached on an error, to score, extending the lead to 5-1. Ohio Dominican managed to score once more in the seventh inning with a sacrifice fly. 

Calista Stahlhut started in the circle for UIS and allowed just four hits over six innings of work. She also contributed two hits, including a double. Addy Girard pitched the final inning for the Prairie Stars, allowing two hits and one earned run. Hailey Niebrugge's two-run home run provided a key momentum shift for the offense. Rosie Bartletti added two hits, an RBI, and three stolen bases, while Rebecca Neupauer scored twice and stole two bases.

"Hailey Niebrugge gave us a huge hit to start our offense with her two-run home run," said head coach Shannon Guthrie. "Calista did a great job the rest of the way, and the defense was solid behind her to lead us through six innings. Rebecca had great at-bats and found ways to get on base, and Rosie and Liv both had big RBIs to drive her in. We had a lot of people contribute, and they worked well together to get the win."

GAME TWO | W, 4-0
Alexis Carroll pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out seven batters. The game began with a scoreless first inning, but in the second, Emme Steward singled to left field and advanced to third on Calista Stahlhut's single. Bailey Masching drove in Steward with a sacrifice fly, giving the Prairie Stars a 1-0 lead after two innings.

The sixth inning saw the Prairie Stars extend their lead. Stahlhut singled to center field, followed by Chloe Scroggins drawing a walk. Masching then hit a three-run homer, bringing home Stahlhut and Scroggins and pushing the lead to 4-0.

This victory improved UIS's record to 3-1 against Ohio Dominican on the season. Carroll allowed only four hits and struck out seven, recording her fourth win of the season.

Bailey Masching made a significant impact in game two with a home run and four RBIs. Calista Stahlhut contributed with two hits and one run scored, while Rebecca Neupauer added two hits and a stolen base to her team's efforts.

"Alexis Carroll threw a great game to lead us to the shutout," said Guthrie. "Bailey led our offense with all four RBIs, including a key three-run shot to get us on the board early. Calista and Rebecca were both solid at the plate, contributing multiple hits each. ODU did get a rally going, but Rachel had a great throw to catch a runner stealing and help us out of the jam. Again, we had key contributions from the whole team. Our outfield had a strong game with some huge catches. It was great to come away with two big regional wins as we roll into GLVC play this weekend."

Up Next
As Guthrie mentioned, conference play is up next for UIS. The Prairie Stars will play Quincy on the road this Friday before welcoming the Truman State Bulldogs to the UIS Softball Field on Sunday.