McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team concluded the first day of its second home tournament with one victory and one loss. The Titans, now with a season record of 13-7, dominated The College of Wooster, securing a 12-2 win, after falling to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in a closely contested game with a final score of 10-8.

In the initial matchup against UW-Eau Claire, the Blugolds gained an advantage with a three-run lead in the third inning, aided by an error. IWU's Bella Pinter made a significant impact by hitting a home run in the fourth, bringing the score to 3-1. Despite another home run from Claire Post and an impressive five-run rally in the sixth inning, Illinois Wesleyan could not overcome the Blugold's lead, ending the game 10-8.

The Titans collected 12 hits in this game, with standout performances from Pinter, who went 3-for-4, and contributions from Jen Kuhn and Post. The pitching duties were shared, with Maddie Pool starting, followed by Caroline Gatchell.

In their game against Wooster, IWU managed to pull ahead after initially trailing. Smart baserunning allowed Margo Geary to score and tie the game 1-1. Following this, IWU increased their lead with runs orchestrated by Riley McDoniel, Pinter, and Kuhn. The team's performance peaked in the seventh inning with an eight-run surge on nine hits, including contributions from Annika Brown, Grace Wilkens, and Kennady Estes.

Wooster's last efforts brought one run in the final inning, but IWU maintained a solid 12-2 victory.

IWU is set to face Wooster again tomorrow morning, followed by a rematch against UW-Eau Claire in the afternoon.