The UIS softball team is set to compete in the Alvy Early Memorial Classic this weekend in Bentonville, Ark. The Prairie Stars will open play on Friday against Central Missouri at 11:00 a.m., followed by a matchup with Northwest Missouri State at 1:30 p.m. On Saturday, UIS will take on Washburn at 11:00 a.m. before wrapping up the tournament against Missouri Southern at 1:30 p.m.

Illinois Springfield (3-1)
The Prairie Stars had a strong opening weekend in Tennessee, dropping just one game to a ranked opponent. UIS particularly benefited from strong pitching, with Addyson McClure starting the season 2-0. Rosie Bartletti recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts in six innings against Cedarville last Friday, while Taylor Zawacki tied her personal best and program record of 13 strikeouts in an extra-inning loss to No. 17-ranked host Trevecca Nazarene.

Ella Brinkley sparked the UIS offense last weekend, tallying three hits, including a three-run homer against Ohio Dominican.

Central Missouri
The UCM Jennies will open their season at this weekend's tournament. UIS and UCM have faced off at this event multiple times over the years, with the Jennies leading the all-time series 6-1.

Last season, Central Missouri finished 23-27 overall and 12-14 in MIAA conference play. The Jennies return 12 players, including All-MIAA honorees Hayden Serna and Taylor Thompson, while adding newcomers Anna Lee Kulka, Aly Hageman, Marisa Johnson, Emily Brouse, and Bailey Brumley.

Northwest Missouri State (2-3)
Northwest Missouri State went 2-3 at the Hawkins-McGhee Memorial Tournament in Arkadelphia, Ark. The Bearcats' pitching staff earned wins from Rien Moore and Cassidy Paulson, while Olivia Moyer fell to 0-2 in her two starts.

Offensively, Skylar Pieper led the way, going 6-for-12 with a .588 on-base percentage, four RBIs, and two runs scored.

Washburn (3-2)
The Ichabods competed at the Mardi Gras Invitational in Youngsville, La., last weekend, finishing 3-2. Their highlights included a 10-7 win over No. 12 Mississippi College and an 11-3 run-rule loss to Southern Arkansas.

Erin Boles and Kaylee Wagner led the lineup, each recording seven hits during the opening weekend. Boles hit .538 with an .846 slugging percentage, while Wagner posted a .467 average and a .667 slugging percentage. Both players also tallied two extra-base hits.

Washburn utilized just three pitchers at the tournament. Sadie Walker went 2-1 in three starts and made four total appearances, including a complete-game win against Mississippi College. She allowed 13 runs and struck out 20 in 17 innings. Ava Bloyd started two games and appeared in three, earning one win. Jenna Sprague pitched twice, totaling 3.1 innings.

Missouri Southern (5-1)
MSSU is off to a strong start, winning five of its first six games, including four straight to open the season. Katie Gray has been a key contributor, hitting .611 in 18 at-bats over five games, with two doubles, two home runs, and 11 RBIs. Kylee Jacks recorded 10 hits in five games, while Bailey Dillon added nine hits across six games.

In the circle, Kiki Pickens is 3-0 in three starts, striking out 13 in 17 innings while allowing 10 runs. Avery Tallman started the other three games, going 1-1. Four additional pitchers also saw action during the opening weekend.

Follow Along
UIS softball will stream the games live via Facebook. Live statistics will be provided for the games against Northwest Missouri State, Washburn, and Missouri Southern via uisprairiestars.com.