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Springfield, Ill. -  Battling frigid temperatures, the Lewis University pitching staff issued 11 walks and hit two Illinois Springfield batters, as six of those runners came around to score in the 5-4 (9 inn.), 6-2 Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader sweep over the visiting Flyers at the Land of Lincoln Junior Olympic Softball Complex on Saturday (March 22) afternoon.

"Our pitchers struggled gripping the ball today, but UIS, as well as our opponents continued to get two-out RBI while we have failed all year long," Lewis head softball coach George DiMatteo said.

With the sweep, UIS improves to 12-11 on the season and 3-5 in GLVC action, while the Flyers drop to 7-12 on the campaign and 1-5 in conference play.

In the opener, it appeared all was lost for the Flyers, as they were down to their final out, trailing 4-2 with a runner on base and freshman Carly Jaworski (Lemont, Ill./Lemont) at the plate. Jaworski took a 3-0 offering from UIS reliever Alex Smith over the center field wall for her first career home run to tie the game up at 4-apiece.

The game would remain tied at four until the bottom of the ninth, as UIS first baseman Molly Manietta drew a two-out walk from Flyer reliever Ali Brems (Kenosha, Wis./Harborside). UIS right fielder Chelsea Minor stepped to the plate and ripped a game-winning RBI double that would plate Prairie Star pinch runner Amanda Gosbeth.

Making just her second appearance of the season in the circle, Brems (0-1) allowed one run and three hits in 3.2 innings of relief while striking out two. Smith earned the victory, allowing one hit in two innings pitched.

"Having Ali (Brems) back pitching was a sight for sore eyes," DiMatteo said. "Ali rejuventated this team with the energy that she brings."

Jaworski topped the Flyers offensively, as she went 3-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored, while Brems added two hits and a run.

In the nightcap, UIS jumped out to a 4-0 lead, before the Flyers plated two runs in the top of the sixth to cut the lead in half with RBI from both Jaworski and Brems. Smith, however, retired both junior first baseman Kelsey Ullrich (Winfield, Ill./Wheaton North) and senior third baseman Alyssa Moseley (Crown Point, Ind./Andrean) to end the Lewis threat.

Lewis starting pitcher Chase Machain (Chicago, Ill./Trinity) took the complete-game loss for the Flyers. Machain (1-5) allowed six runs - three earned - eight hits and five walks in game two. Smith (7-6) earned her second victory of the day, surrendering two runs and five hits while striking out eight Flyers.

Lewis returns to action on Sunday (March 23), as they head to Lebanon, Ill., for a 12 PM twinbill against McKendree.