Prairie Stars Sweep Doubleheader at Ohio Dominican

Illinois Springfield softball team wins two games against Ohio Dominican Panthers

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Illinois Springfield softball team (16-6) traveled to Columbus, Ohio, and swept a doubleheader against the Ohio Dominican Panthers (6-8) on Tuesday. UIS won the first game 5-2 and the second game 4-0.

Why it matters

This doubleheader sweep against a regional opponent is an important boost for the Prairie Stars as they prepare to enter conference play in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). The team's strong pitching and timely hitting were key factors in securing the two victories.

The details

In the first game, Ohio Dominican took an early 1-0 lead, but UIS responded with a four-run second inning to go up 4-1. The Prairie Stars added another run in the fourth to make it 5-1 before Ohio Dominican scored once more in the seventh. Calista Stahlhut and Hailey Niebrugge led the UIS offense, with Niebrugge hitting a two-run home run. In the second game, Alexis Carroll pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out seven. Bailey Masching provided the offensive firepower with a three-run homer in the sixth inning to extend the Prairie Stars' lead to 4-0.

  • The doubleheader took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
  • Game one was played first, followed by game two.

The players

Illinois Springfield softball team

The Illinois Springfield softball team, also known as the Prairie Stars, is the NCAA Division II softball program representing the University of Illinois Springfield.

Ohio Dominican Panthers

The Ohio Dominican Panthers are the NCAA Division II athletic teams representing Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio.

Calista Stahlhut

A player on the Illinois Springfield softball team who contributed two hits, including a double, in the first game.

Hailey Niebrugge

A player on the Illinois Springfield softball team who hit a two-run home run in the first game to give the Prairie Stars the lead.

Alexis Carroll

The Illinois Springfield pitcher who threw a complete-game shutout in the second game, allowing just four hits and striking out seven batters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Hailey Niebrugge gave us a huge hit to start our offense with her two-run home run.”

— Shannon Guthrie, Head Coach (channel1450.com)

“Alexis Carroll threw a great game to lead us to the shutout.”

— Shannon Guthrie, Head Coach (channel1450.com)

“Bailey led our offense with all four RBIs, including a key three-run shot to get us on the board early.”

— Shannon Guthrie, Head Coach (channel1450.com)

What’s next

The Prairie Stars will play Quincy on the road this Friday before welcoming the Truman State Bulldogs to the UIS Softball Field on Sunday as they begin Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) play.

The takeaway

This doubleheader sweep against a regional opponent demonstrates the Prairie Stars' strong pitching and offensive capabilities as they prepare to enter conference play. The team's ability to respond to an early deficit and get key contributions from multiple players bodes well for their chances of success in the GLVC this season.