Several spring teams head into postseason play this week — Go Stars! Stay tuned for updates and results by signing up for email alerts about your favorite teams here.
Monday, April 28
7:30 p.m. – Night of Stars Athletics Banquet
UIS hosts its annual Night of Stars Athletics Banquet, celebrating the achievements of the 2024-25 season. The event will be streamed live and free on the GLVC Sports Network. Awards such as Athletes of the Year, Rookies of the Year, Chancellor's Prairie Star Award, and more will be announced.
Tuesday, April 29
12:00 p.m. – Baseball at Davenport
The Prairie Stars (30-13, 20-7 GLVC) picked up a midweek road game against regionally ranked Davenport (33-12, 18-2 GLIAC). UIS is coming off a three-of-four series win over Southwest Baptist in conference play, while the Panthers recently took three of four from Wayne State. Davenport is in contention for the GLIAC regular season title. UIS and Davenport last split a four-game series early in the 2024 season, featuring high-scoring battles on both sides. Both teams appeared in the first edition of the NCAA Midwest Region rankings last week.
Wednesday, April 30
12:00 p.m. – #5 Softball vs. #4 McKendree at GLVC Tournament
UIS (29-18, 17-11 GLVC) earned its GLVC Tournament berth by sweeping Upper Iowa on Saturday before closing the regular season with two losses to Lewis. They'll face McKendree (32-19, 18-10 GLVC), who also finished strong by sweeping Upper Iowa and splitting with Quincy. The teams split their doubleheader earlier this month, with UIS winning a 3-0 pitcher's duel before McKendree took the second game 8-4. The double-elimination tournament runs Wednesday through Saturday at the EastSide Centre in East Peoria, Ill.
Thursday, May 1
TBD – Softball at GLVC Tournament
The Prairie Stars could play their second tournament game at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Matchups and game times will be updated on uisprairiestars.com.
2:00 p.m. – Baseball at McKendree
UIS (30-13, 20-7 GLVC) visits McKendree (16-28, 13-15 GLVC) in Lebanon, Ill., to begin the final regular season series, running Thursday through Saturday to accommodate the upcoming GLVC Tournament. UIS has won six straight series — five against GLVC opponents — and trails only Lewis (34-12, 22-6 GLVC) in the conference standings. The Prairie Stars lead the all-time series 30-5 against the Bearcats.
Evening – Track & Field at GLVC Outdoor Championships
The GLVC Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin Thursday evening in Romeoville, Ill., hosted by Lewis University. Entries will be announced mid-week and are based on regular season performance lists, with the top 24 in each event, although wild card entries are possible. The 10,000m run will be the first medal event of the meet, along with the 1500m preliminaries during the evening track session.
Friday, May 2
TBD – Softball at GLVC Tournament
Friday's game times at the GLVC Tournament are set for 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The UIS Softball schedule on uisprairiestars.com will be updated with game times and opponents as the Prairie Stars advance through the tournament.
All Day – Track & Field at GLVC Outdoor Championships
UIS athletes will compete primarily in the evening, including the 800m prelims and the 3,000m steeplechase final.
12:00 & 2:00 p.m. – Baseball at McKendree
The series resumes with a Friday afternoon doubleheader.
Saturday, May 3
TBD – Softball at GLVC Tournament
Saturday's championship game is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., with an if-necessary game at 12:30 p.m.
All Day – Track & Field at GLVC Outdoor Championships
Championship Saturday features finals for several events, including the 5000m. UIS will also look to have qualifiers in the 800m and 1500m finals earlier in the day.
12:00 p.m. – Baseball at McKendree
The regular season concludes with the series finale.
Also in Springfield
UIS will host the GLVC Men's and Women's Tennis Championships this weekend. While the Prairie Stars are not participating, fans can enjoy top NCAA Division II tennis in the Springfield area. Full schedule and details are available on the GLVC website.
Looking Ahead
The UIS women's golf team will find out Monday via NCAA.com if they have earned a bid to the NCAA Division II East Regional. UIS placed fourth in GLVC stroke play and reached the semifinals of match play. If selected, they will compete May 5–7 in Allendale, Mich.