McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team ended its nine-game winning streak with a split in a doubleheader against Lake Forest College on March 30, 2024. The Titans won the first game 8-2 but were defeated in the second game, which concluded with a score of 9-3.

In the first game, IWU overcame an early home run by Lake Forest and scored in four consecutive innings. Sophomore Anna Beckman contributed with a sacrifice lineout in the third inning. Additional runs were added in the fourth inning by sophomore Casey Wissmiller and junior Ava Khoury. A combination of hits from freshmen Elyssa Stenger and JD Dowling further solidified their lead. The Titans amassed 13 hits overall, with Wissmiller leading offensively by going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Sophomore Gianna Certa pitched a complete game to secure her fifth win of the season.

In the second game, IWU fell behind quickly as Lake Forest scored five runs in the first inning. Senior Bailey Turner hit a home run for Illinois Wesleyan's initial base runner in the third inning, while Wissmiller added another solo homer in the fourth. Despite these efforts, Lake Forest maintained their lead and secured victory after Illinois Wesleyan's final attempt at scoring was halted by a groundout.

IWU plans to return to action on April 3 when they host Coe College at Inspiration Field.