The UIS softball team (23-11, 7-5) split a doubleheader against Missouri S&T (19-13, 6-4) on Sunday afternoon, winning the first game 7-4 before falling in the second game 5-1.

GAME ONE | W, 7-4
Illinois Springfield secured a 7-4 victory over Missouri S&T, capitalizing on the opposition's three errors to score three crucial runs in the second inning. The action started in the first inning with Rosie Bartletti walking, advancing to third on a groundout and a steal, and scoring on a Bailey Masching groundout, putting the Prairie Stars ahead 1-0.

In the second inning, UIS extended its lead. Olivia DeLuca singled, and Chloe Scroggins walked, setting the stage for Jaden Watts, who singled to bring in DeLuca. Bartletti's sacrifice bunt brought home Scroggins, and Watts scored an unearned run on a throwing error, giving UIS a 4-0 lead after two innings.

Missouri S&T responded in the third inning, capitalizing on an error to score four unearned runs and tie the game at 4-4. However, UIS regained the lead in the fifth inning when Rebecca Neupauer walked and later scored on a Koral Keehner single. Emme Steward and Keehner then scored on a DeLuca double, pushing UIS ahead 7-4.

The final innings were scoreless, with UIS maintaining its lead through effective defense and pitching.

Calista Stahlhut pitched 3 innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 2 batters. Despite surrendering 4 runs, none were earned. Alexis Carroll took over for 4 innings, striking out 3 batters and allowing just one baserunner.

Rosie Bartletti showcased her speed on the base paths, collecting two stolen bases. Olivia DeLuca contributed offensively with two hits and two RBIs, while also making four assists in the field. Koral Keehner recorded one hit and one RBI, aiding the team's scoring efforts.

GAME TWO | L, 5-1
In the second game, UIS fell to Missouri S&T with a final score of 5-1. The Prairie Stars' lone run came in the first inning, but they struggled to score thereafter, managing just four hits in the game.

The Prairie Stars took an early lead when Rebecca Neupauer scored on a wild pitch after stealing second and advancing to third on a throwing error, giving UIS a 1-0 advantage at the end of the first inning.

The fourth inning saw Missouri S&T equalize with a solo home run by Taylor Nelson. In the fifth inning, Missouri S&T gained momentum and took a decisive lead. Keira Jones scored on a walk with the bases loaded, and Molly Fitzgerald followed with a three-run double to center field, putting Missouri S&T ahead 5-1 by the end of the inning.

Neither team managed to score in the remaining innings, resulting in a final score of Missouri S&T 5, UIS 1.

Alexis Carroll pitched 1 1/3 innings for the Prairie Stars, allowing no hits and recording one strikeout. She faced four batters, issuing one walk. Rosie Bartletti recorded three strikeouts and allowed five earned runs over 4 2/3 innings in the circle, while also contributing a hit and a stolen base offensively. Neupauer drew two walks, scored a run, and also added a stolen base to her performance. 

Up Next
Next week, UIS will go back to Missouri to play William Jewell in Liberty, Mo., on Friday afternoon.