Illinois-Springfield baseball (15-7, 4-1) fell to Drury (13-9, 4-1) in a high-scoring affair on Friday, 17-12. Despite two home runs from Kaden Griffitts and 12 total walks, the Prairie Stars could not overcome the Drury Panthers in the extra inning game.
Drury set the tone early, using a double and a home run to build a 4-0 lead in the first. The Prairie Stars answered with an unearned run in the bottom half to make it 4-1.
The Illinois Springfield men's tennis team returns to action on Friday, traveling to Normal for an 11:00 a.m. exhibition match against Illinois State.
Illinois Springfield
UIS comes out of its midseason break having won two of its last three matches. The Prairie Stars opened that stretch with a 6-1 road win over Evangel, followed by another 6-1 victory at home against Roosevelt. Most recently, UIS dropped a 5-2 decision to Purdue Northwest.
The University of Illinois Springfield has announced the 2026 class of its Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program, honoring outstanding alumni under the age of 40 or within five years of graduation. Established by the Young Alumni Committee, the program celebrates individuals who demonstrate innovation, creativity, and early career success.
The Illinois Springfield softball team will be at home this weekend, hosting the Rockhurst Hawks on Saturday and the Southwest Baptist Bearcats on Sunday. Both matchups are noon doubleheaders at the UIS Softball Field.
Illinois Springfield (19-7, 3-1 GLVC)
The Illinois Springfield baseball team will host Drury this weekend for an important four-game GLVC series, Friday through Sunday. The matchup pits two of the top teams in the region—UIS is ranked No. 3 and Drury No. 5 in the latest NCBWA Midwest Region poll.
Illinois Springfield (15-6, 4-0 GLVC)
The UIS Baseball program is off to a strong 2026 start, holding steady at No. 25 in the NCBWA National Poll for the third consecutive week. The Prairie Stars have compiled a 15-6 overall record and are undefeated in conference play at 4-0 through one weekend, showing consistency on both sides of the ball. UIS is also receiving votes in the ABCA poll.
As part of UIS Athletics' 15 Years of NCAA Division II Membership celebration, the department is highlighting 15 standout teams and 15 standout student-athletes who have shaped the Prairie Stars' Division II era. Each week, UIS features one team and one student-athlete, honoring the accomplishments, championship moments, and legacy-building performances that have defined Prairie Stars Athletics.
As part of UIS Athletics' 15 Years of NCAA Division II Membership celebration, the department is highlighting 15 standout teams and 15 standout student-athletes who have shaped the program's Division II era. Each week, UIS features one team and one player, honoring the accomplishments, championship moments, and legacy-building performances that have defined Prairie Stars Athletics.
The Illinois Springfield Prairie Stars wrapped up the Findlay Spring Invite at Boone's Trace National Golf Club with a solid team effort, finishing 9th out of 15 teams in a competitive field. Round three was ultimately canceled due to weather, so all team scoring concluded after the second round, while individual players like Erin Ahmadfadzir finished their third round on Monday.
Sophomore pitcher Calista Stahlhut has been named the UIS Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month for February 2026 after a dominant stretch in the circle for the Prairie Stars.
Stahlhut went 5-0 across 7 appearances in February, pitching 37.1 innings with a 0.72 ERA while allowing just three earned runs on 20 hits. She struck out 36 batters and issued only 12 walks, recording four complete games during the stretch.