McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team secured two victories against Wheaton College in recent College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin action. On Friday, April 18, the Titans defeated the Thunder by scores of 11-3 and 18-6, both ending in six innings. The success allowed IWU to improve their record to 21-7 overall and 6-0 in conference play, while Wheaton slipped to 12-18 and 2-8 in the conference.

In the first game, Illinois Wesleyan took an early lead in the first inning when senior Jen Kuhn drove in junior Anna Beckman with a single. Wheaton responded with two homers in the second inning, going ahead briefly. However, the Titans regained control in the third inning. Kuhn added another RBI and later scored during a successful inning that ended the third at 5-2 in favor of IWU. The Titans sealed their win with a few more runs, highlighted by Kuhn's two-run homer, culminating in an 11-3 finish. Kuhn was a standout, contributing significantly with a 4-for-4 record at the plate.

The second game mirrored the first, with IWU again dominating after Wheaton’s early efforts. Despite the Thunder's attempt to score, Illinois Wesleyan responded robustly, concluding the day with an 18-6 win. Strong performances came from freshman Ella Hermes, who secured her first career home run, and Kuhn, who equaled a program record with her 12th double of the season. The Titans accumulated 19 hits in this game, with seven players achieving multiple hits.

Looking ahead, Illinois Wesleyan will play Elmhurst University on Senior Day, with the game scheduled for April 19, at 1 p.m. The ceremony will honor Kennady Estes, Ava Khoury, and Jen Kuhn.