Tucci Stadium | Illinois Wesleyan Titans
Tucci Stadium | Illinois Wesleyan Titans
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team marked Senior Day with a robust victory over Elmhurst University on April 19 at Inspiration Field. The Titans extended their record to 23-7 overall and remain undefeated in league play with an 8-0 standing, defeating the Bluejays with scores of 4-3 and 6-1. Elmhurst's record now stands at 6-23-1, with a 2-12 record in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).
Prior to the games, seniors Kennady Estes, Ava Khoury, and Jen Kuhn were honored. Collectively, the seniors boast a record of 108-50, a combined GPA of 3.83, and extensive community service hours.
In the first game, junior Anna Beckman set the pace for Illinois Wesleyan with crucial plays. The Titans scored initially when Beckman single-handedly reached base and scored after being driven in by senior Ava Khoury's single. Jen Kuhn's defensive play thwarted Elmhurst's efforts to tie the game, maintaining the Titans' early lead.
Elmhurst took a temporary lead in the fifth inning, 3-2, with two timely hits, but the Titans responded in the sixth inning. Junior Claire Post hit a home run to level the score, and the team proceeded to win in a close finish with Beckman's run in the seventh inning. Illinois Wesleyan had more hits than Elmhurst, with Beckman and Khoury contributing significantly.
Junior pitcher Gianna Certa struck out nine Elmhurst batters, with three runs allowed, though none were earned.
In the second game, Khoury's RBI single in the first inning set the tone, followed by Kuhn's and Post's home runs. Kuhn’s additional RBI and eventual scoring on a wild pitch increased the lead. Senior Carly Holland closed the game, allowing only one hit and striking out three batters.
The Titans managed eight hits in contrast to Elmhurst's singular hit, with Post and freshman Grace Wilkens each achieving two hits.
Illinois Wesleyan will host North Central College on April 23 to conclude its six-game home series, with the game scheduled to start at 3 p.m. at Inspiration Field.
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