McLean County Times

Strong pitching performances helped Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) secure a series sweep against North Park University in a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) contest. The games were held on April 12 in Chicago, where IWU claimed a 9-0 run-rule victory in the first matchup and combined efforts from three pitchers resulted in a 2-0 win in the second. These victories improved IWU's record to 17-7 overall and 2-0 in the league, while North Park University fell to 11-13 with a 2-4 CCIW standing.

In the opening game, IWU's Ava Khoury initiated the scoring with a two-out double, which contributed to an early 2-0 lead. The team extended the advantage in the second inning, increasing the score to 4-0, thanks to contributions from Annika Brown and Grace Wilkens. A misplayed fly ball helped IWU add another two runs in the third inning, and a four-hit, five-run fifth inning further solidified their dominance. Gianna Certa showcased her abilities on the mound, completing a one-hit shutout in just 56 pitches.

In the second encounter, a timely error by North Park allowed IWU to go up 1-0 in the third inning. Another run in the sixth sealed the game 2-0. Pitchers Mallory Holland, Riley Pool, and Gianna Certa combined for the no-hitter, drawing praise for the effective teamwork that led to this triumph.

The Titans are scheduled to face Millikin University up next, with the matchup set to begin at 4 p.m. on April 15 in Decatur, Illinois.