UIS softball opened play at the GLVC Tournament on Wednesday with an 11-4 loss to McKendree at the EastSide Centre.

The Prairie Stars totaled 11 hits and built an early four-run lead, but McKendree (41-12) answered with a six-run third inning before adding five more runs in the sixth to secure the win in the double-elimination tournament opener.

Illinois Springfield softball earned three All-GLVC selections for the 2026 season, led by senior Rosie Bartletti, who received First Team honors as a pitcher/utility player and Second Team recognition as a pitcher. Sophomore Bailey Masching was also named Second Team All-GLVC as a utility non-pitcher.

Bartletti collected all-conference honors for the second consecutive season as one of the league's top two-way players. The Springfield native led UIS both in the circle and at the plate, helping guide the Prairie Stars to a postseason appearance.

Elaine Grant of Illinois Springfield delivered a clutch performance at the NCAA Division II East Regional, finishing tied for second overall and punching her ticket to the NCAA Championship for the second time in her career.

Grant opened the tournament strong on Monday at Findlay Country Club, carding rounds of 76 and 75 to sit comfortably inside the top five heading into the final round. Despite challenging conditions throughout the event, she remained steady and positioned herself among the regional leaders through 36 holes.

Pablo Herrera put together an outstanding April to earn UIS Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month honors. He becomes the first UIS tennis player to receive the award in its three-year history. 

Competing at No. 1 singles, Herrera went 5-2 on the month to close the season with an impressive 14-4 overall record. His performance included a ranked win over the No. 15 player in the nation, highlighting his ability to compete at the highest level. 

All eyes are on Prairie Stars postseason competition this week!