CHICAGO – The UIC softball team (0-25) returns to Missouri Valley Conference Play this weekend as they host UNI (14-9) at Flames Field, beginning with a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Admission into these games is free to the public. Fans can also stream the game one on ESPN+ and game two on ESPN3. They can listen along on the Flames Network.

MATCH UP BREAKDOWN

• This is the first time since 2013 these programs will meet on the diamond. UNI leads the overall series against UIC, 8-3.
• The Flames last defeated the Panthers back on Mar. 17^, 1995, in a 7-0 victory at the Seminole Invitational out in Tallahassee, Fla.
• The Panthers have gone 11-9 against non-conference opponents, and a sweep against Murray State (16-12) last weekend; 4-1, 3-0 and 17-0.
• Two-time MVC Pitcher of the Week Samantha Heyer has had 18 appearances in the circle for the Panthers this season. The redshirt junior has thrown 72.1 innings, striking out 112 and only walking 20.
• UNI has four hitters batting above the .300 batting average mark: redshirt senior Hannah Kelley (.351), sophomore Mya Dodge (.345), freshman Alexis Pupillo (.319) and redshirt junior Madison Parks (.303).

BATTLIN' THE WILDCATS

• UIC went toe-to-toe against #24 Northwestern (14-8) on Tuesday, 6-3.
• Senior Carlee Jo Clark crushed a ball over the left field wall for her first home run of the season. She finished the game going 2-for-4 with one RBI.
• Sophomore Hailey Cowing hit her second home run of the season to dead center, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
• Senior Christina Toniolo pitched the entire game in the circle, pitching 6.0 innings, walking two and striking out one.

INDIANA STATE HIGHLIGHTS

• Redshirt senior Maica Ingles finished the series against the Sycamores batting .428.
• In the second game of the series against Indiana State, Ingles batting 2-for-3 and earned her team-leading fourth stolen base.
• Big RBIs came off the bats of junior Emma Crowley and senior Alannah Cran throughout the three-game series.

CURTIS GRANDERSON STADIUM AMENTIES

• Those in attendance are invited to come spin the wheel at the Curtis Granderson Stadium's Merchandise Stand to win prizes.
• Bathrooms will be open at the stadium throughout the weekend.
• Concession stands will be open for fans interested in food and drink throughout the series.

PLEDGE PER WIN

• This season, cheer on Flames Baseball and Softball with an exciting new initiative to support our student-athletes!
• Support the Flames in an exciting new way – "Pledge Per Win"!
• Contributing every time the Flames record a victory not only provides a way to celebrate wins, but also to invest directly to UIC's Baseball and Softball programs.   
• Visit this link to make your pledge today!