McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team continued its winning streak with a doubleheader sweep against Monmouth College on March 21, during their home opener at Inspiration Field. The Titans extended their record to 8-4 for the season after securing a decisive 21-2 victory in the first game and following it up with a 7-1 win in the second. Monmouth's record fell to 1-13.

In the opening game, Illinois Wesleyan recorded a significant win, scoring 21 runs, marking the second-highest in the program's history since setting a record of 24 runs on April 4, 2006, against North Park. The team accumulated 15 hits from ten different players. Sophomore Anna Beckman led with three hits and three runs, including a home run. Casey Wissmiller contributed with a grand slam and five RBIs. Megan Fontanetta achieved a career-high five RBIs as well.

Pitchers Caroline Gatchell and Bailey Turner shared responsibilities on the mound. Gatchell improved her record to 3-1 by pitching three innings and recording two strikeouts. Turner completed two innings in relief, allowing one hit and striking out two.

Beckman initiated the scoring with a solo homerun in the first inning, followed by an explosive second inning where IWU scored eleven runs, including Wissmiller's grand slam.

In game two, Illinois Wesleyan secured victory with seven runs on nine hits. Beckman had another strong performance with three hits, while Wissmiller hit her second home run of the day. Claire Post added two hits and tied for team lead with two RBIs alongside Turner.

Freshman Mallory Holland earned her first collegiate win by pitching four innings without allowing any runs and striking out four batters. Gianna Certa pitched the final three innings, conceding one run on two hits while striking out three.

The Titans took an early lead in game two after Post hit a two-run homerun in the second inning. Additional runs were added through efforts from Khoury and Turner as they maintained control over Monmouth throughout both games.

IWU concluded their successful day with a final score of 7-1 in game two.