The UIS softball team closes out the regular season at home this weekend, hosting Lewis and Upper Iowa with a return trip to the GLVC Championship still at stake.

Saturday will feature Alumni Day, with a doubleheader against Lewis beginning at noon. The weekend wraps up Sunday with Senior Day, as UIS faces Upper Iowa in another noon doubleheader. Alumni will be recognized between games Saturday, while senior recognition will take place following Sunday's contests.

Seven teams have already clinched spots in the GLVC Tournament, leaving UIS among a group battling to secure the remaining positions. The Prairie Stars enter the weekend at 28-18 overall and 12-12 in conference play, currently tied in the standings and needing a strong finish to lock in a berth.

UIS has been tested down the stretch, facing nationally ranked opponents in each of its last four games, including a pair of losses to No. 4 Indianapolis last weekend.

The Prairie Stars will lean on a steady pitching staff led by Rosie Bartletti and Calista Stahlhut. Bartletti carries a 1.65 ERA with 112 strikeouts in 93.1 innings, while Stahlhut has logged a team-high 132 innings with 112 strikeouts of her own. Alexis Carroll has added depth with a 6-2 record, and Addy Girard provided a bright spot out of the bullpen last weekend, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings against Indianapolis.

Offensively, UIS is paced by Bartletti, who is hitting .329 with 48 runs scored and 44 stolen bases. Bailey Masching (.315, 36 RBI) and Emme Steward (.305, six home runs) provide additional production in the middle of the lineup.

Lewis enters Saturday's matchup at 21-25 overall and is looking to snap an eight-game losing streak after a difficult stretch. The Flyers are led offensively by Nicole Magdziasz (.396), Erica Hoffman (.371), and Morgan Spodarek, who boasts a 1.080 OPS with 17 doubles, seven triples, and four home runs. In the circle, Jolee Strohmeyer (9-14) and Avery Flynn (9-6) have handled the bulk of the innings.

Upper Iowa, UIS' opponent on Sunday, is 6-40 overall and 1-21 in conference play. The Peacocks are led at the plate by Dani Laughlin, who is hitting .418 on the season. Sara Reid anchors the pitching staff with a 3.71 ERA and 132 innings pitched.

First pitch for both doubleheaders is scheduled for noon. Join us at the UIS Softball Field for the final home games of the season or watch live on GLVCSN.