McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team achieved a successful day on April 6 by sweeping their final games at the IWU Invite II. The team, competing at Inspiration Field in Bloomington, Illinois, secured victories against The College of Wooster and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. These wins improved Illinois Wesleyan's record to 15-7.

In the first game, Illinois Wesleyan edged Wooster by 5-3. Wooster scored initially due to an error and led until the fifth inning. Illinois Wesleyan's response was prompt, with the team scoring five runs in a single inning. Freshman Grace Wilkens, among others, significantly contributed to this with a leadoff walk that initiated a series of successful hits.

Junior Gianna Certa wrapped up a 1-2-3 inning to secure the win, which was credited to freshman Ella Hermes. “The Titans led 5-2 into the sixth, where a leadoff single came around to score on a few errant pitches,” noted the report, showing Wooster's attempt to close the gap.

In the second game against UW-Eau Claire, Illinois Wesleyan won 6-4, overcoming an early deficit. Senior Ava Khoury and junior Claire Post were key players, with Post’s high-fly home run in the second inning marking a turning point. UW-Eau Claire’s temporary lead in the third was quickly countered by freshman Bella Pinter's three-run homer in the fourth inning.

“The Green and White shutdown the Blugolds over the final few innings to earn the victory and sweep the day,” highlighted the team’s performance in the closing stages. Certa delivered a complete game with a career-high eight strikeouts, and the Titans ended with a 7-4 lead in hits over UW-Eau Claire.

Looking ahead, the team prepares for the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin play, beginning on April 10 against North Central College.