The Illinois Springfield softball team split its doubleheader against Thomas More on Sunday, falling 4-3 in the opener before bouncing back with an 11-6 victory in game two.
GAME ONE | L, 4-3
- UIS took an early lead in the first inning when Isabella Wilson singled home Ella Brinkley.
- The Prairie Stars added to their lead in the second when Jaden Watts reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Jacy Watts.
- Rosie Bartletti then extended the advantage in the third with an RBI single to shortstop, bringing Wilson across the plate for a 3-0 UIS lead.
- Thomas More responded in the fifth inning as Emma Fegan drove in two runs with a single to center field.
- The Saints completed the comeback in the seventh, with Erin Allphin delivering a two-run double to give Thomas More a 4-3 lead. UIS was unable to answer in the bottom of the frame.
- Bartletti (1-2) took the loss despite striking out 12 batters over seven innings, allowing four runs on 10 hits.
- UIS rebounded in the second game with an offensive explosion, tallying 15 hits. Taylor Zawacki got things started with a sacrifice fly in the first, scoring Brinkley.
- The Prairie Stars added another in the second when Addyson McClure singled home Bailey Masching.
- A five-run fifth inning, highlighted by an RBI triple from Wilson and a bunt single from Bartletti, extended the UIS lead.
- The Prairie Stars sealed the victory with four more runs in the seventh, including a two-run triple from Masching.
- Alexis Carroll (1-0) earned the win in relief, allowing three runs over three innings while striking out five. Zawacki closed out the game with a scoreless seventh.
With a 5-5 record, the team will play at home for the first time this year, hosting the Springfield Invitational from Friday to Sunday next weekend.