McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team has achieved significant recognition in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), with eight players earning All-CCIW honors. The league office announced these postseason accolades on May 7, highlighting the team's performance during the season.

Senior shortstop Jen Kuhn from Normal, Illinois, was named CCIW Defensive Player of the Year. Sophomore Mallory Holland from Shelbyville, Illinois, received the title of CCIW Pitcher of the Year. These awards contributed to Illinois Wesleyan's total of eight selections, marking the highest number for the university since 2015.

Kuhn and Holland were included in the All-CCIW First Team alongside senior Ava Khoury and juniors Gianna Certa and Anna Beckman. Juniors Casey Wissmiller and Claire Post, as well as freshman Bella Pinter, earned Second Team All-CCIW status. The coaching staff was recognized as CCIW Coaching Staff of the Year for a third consecutive season. Freshman Riley McDoniel received IWU's CCIW RESPECT Award.

Illinois Wesleyan completed an undefeated conference season with a 16-0 record, securing the No. 1 seed for this week's CCIW Tournament. Throughout the season, they garnered eight weekly awards within the conference.

Kuhn's performance secured her all-conference honors for four years straight and first-team placement three times. She is only the second player in program history to be voted top defensive player in the league, following Bailey Turner who won in 2024.

Holland made a notable impact this year as a sophomore pitcher. Her achievements include leading all starting pitchers with a conference-best 1.07 ERA and limiting opponents to a .141 batting average.

Khoury repeated her all-conference performance for three consecutive seasons while maintaining strong statistics at first base. Certa earned first-team distinction again by compiling impressive pitching stats over her appearances.

Beckman demonstrated her abilities in centerfield with a .400 batting average during league play, contributing significantly to her team's offense and defense.

The Titans are set to begin their tournament journey on May 8 at Inspiration Field against an opponent determined by earlier games between Carthage College and North Central College.

For more details about this year's tournament schedule or results, further information can be accessed through official channels.

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