McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team received significant recognition in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) postseason honors. Announced on May 8, the league office revealed its all-conference teams and specialty awards. Sophomore Gianna Certa was named CCIW Pitcher of the Year, while senior Bailey Turner earned the title of CCIW Defensive Player of the Year.

Certa, Turner, along with sophomores Casey Wissmiller and Anna Beckman, juniors Jen Kuhn and Ava Khoury, and freshman Hailey Milgazo were awarded First Team All-CCIW status. The coaching staff at Illinois Wesleyan also received accolades as the CCIW Coaching Staff of the Year for a second consecutive year. Additionally, senior Isabelle Piwowarczyk was recognized with IWU's CCIW RESPECT Award.

Illinois Wesleyan secured a 13-3 record in league play to become the outright CCIW Regular Season Champion. This performance granted them the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for this week's CCIW Tournament.

Gianna Certa achieved an 8-0 record during conference play, leading with a 0.41 earned run average over eight starts. Her efforts resulted in opponents maintaining a .174 batting average against her.

Bailey Turner has been recognized with All-CCIW honors for four years running and made history as the first Titan to be voted Defensive Player of the Year by the conference. She excelled at second base with a batting average of .420 across 16 league games.

Casey Wissmiller continued to perform well at third base for IWU, finishing conference play with a .415 batting average.

Anna Beckman took on a starting role as center fielder after recovering from an injury last season. She led the conference in runs scored.

Jen Kuhn finished among top hitters in several categories within the conference during league play.

Ava Khoury started every game at first base for Illinois Wesleyan, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively throughout their successful season.

Hailey Milgazo had an impressive rookie year contributing both in outfield positions and as designated player (DP).

The Titans are set to host this year's CCIW Tournament from May 9 to May 11 at Inspiration Field. Their tournament journey begins against either Millikin or Carthage on Thursday evening.

"Clare Rettler," from Carthage, was named "CCIW Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year." "Juliana Maude," from North Central, was acknowledged as "CCIW First-Year Student-Athlete of the Year."