McLean County Times

After a narrow loss to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Illinois Wesleyan University softball team rebounded with a victory over DePauw University during the IWU Invitational on April 6 at Inspiration Field. The Titans lost their first game 1-0 but defeated DePauw 15-7 in five innings, improving their season record to 12-6.

In the first game against UW-Whitewater, both teams showcased strong pitching. "The Warhawks put two on in the top of the second," but key defensive plays by Jen Kuhn and JD Dowling kept the game scoreless. Despite opportunities for Illinois Wesleyan, they could not capitalize, and a home run by UW-Whitewater in the sixth inning secured their win. Gianna Certa pitched a complete game for IWU, allowing four hits and one run while striking out eight.

In their second game against DePauw, Illinois Wesleyan quickly took control. Ava Khoury contributed with a steal of home and an RBI single. A double play by Bailey Turner helped maintain their lead early on. The Titans then scored multiple runs in consecutive innings, highlighted by homers from Anna Beckman and Kuhn, as well as Turner's three-run homer.

DePauw managed to score four runs in one inning but could not close the gap further. The Titans' defense sealed their victory when Dowling's throw to Elyssa Stenger resulted in an out at home plate.

Illinois Wesleyan recorded 18 hits compared to DePauw's eight. Key players included Milgazo, Kuhn, Stenger, and Turner with three hits each; Kuhn also led with four RBIs. Mallory Holland earned her first collegiate win with a complete game performance.

The Titans will conclude the tournament on April 7 with games against UWW and DePauw.