This year the University of Illinois Springfield softball team made each game played count. The Prairie Stars are having a remarkable season on the field, but it's because of how the team acts off the field that is leading to all of their success.

"We just knew from the fall that this was our year to shine," UIS senior pitcher Payton Long said.

Shining on the diamond is exactly what the University of Illinois Springfield softball team is doing. The Prairie Stars finished their home slate of games and only have a few more contests left until the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship Tournament. Right now they own a 31-14 overall record, 15-9 in conference play.

This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on April 24, 2022. Watch the story online.