The UIS softball team continues conference play on the road this weekend, traveling to face Maryville on Saturday and McKendree on Sunday.

The Prairie Stars (27-13, 11-7 GLVC) sit sixth in the GLVC standings following a split weekend in which they swept Lincoln and were swept by UMSL, with all four games decided by tight margins.

UIS continues to be powered by strong on-base production and speed at the top of the lineup. Rebecca Neupauer ranks among the league's best with a .520 on-base percentage. Rosie Bartletti continues to impact the game in multiple ways, ranking third in the conference in runs scored (45), seventh in doubles (11), seventh in triples (3), and leading the GLVC in stolen bases with 42. Their combination of on-base ability and speed has been a key catalyst for the offense.

In the circle, UIS brings one of the more balanced pitching staffs in the conference with three starters posting ERAs under 3.00. Bartletti (1.41 ERA), Calista Stahlhut (1.91 ERA), and Alexis Carroll (2.92 ERA) have anchored a staff that ranks second in the GLVC with a 2.13 team ERA.

Maryville (17-19, 7-9 GLVC) comes into Saturday after dropping two games to No. 20 McKendree, including a run-rule loss, though they had split their last three doubleheaders going into those games. The Saints are led offensively by Jenna Kosnoff, who is hitting .429, and Laila Ruiz at .333, giving them two consistent run producers. In the circle, Nora Johnson and Mia Maxel have shared the workload, with ERAs of 3.01 and 3.44 respectively.

The all-time series between UIS and Maryville is tied 18-18, adding another layer to what should be a competitive matchup.

On Sunday, UIS faces McKendree (32-10, 13-5 GLVC), a nationally ranked program sitting at No. 19 and coming off a strong weekend sweep of Maryville. The Bearcats are powered by Lauren Harris, who is hitting .455 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs, along with Jasmine Myers at .375, giving them one of the most dangerous lineups in the conference. In the circle, Sami Huck has been dominant with a 2.25 ERA and 177 strikeouts, while Ellie Vetter adds another strong arm at 2.64.

McKendree's combination of power and pitching has them near the top of the GLVC in multiple categories, including third in team ERA at 2.66.

UIS is 14-11 all-time against the Bearcats, with the most recent meeting coming in a Prairie Stars win in the GLVC Tournament.

GLVC softball games are streamed on the GLVC Sports Network, with live stats available through the host schools.