McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team, ranked 20th nationally, secured a victory over Bethany Lutheran College with a score of 5-3 in the Bloomington regional on Saturday, May 17. This win at Inspiration Field propels them to the NCAA Division III Super Regional for the first time since 2019. Their next opponent will be determined by the outcome of the McMinnville regional, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, May 22-23. Further updates will be available on iwusports.com.

Five players from Illinois Wesleyan were named to the regional's all-tournament team. Senior Ava Khoury was awarded Most Outstanding Player. She was joined by juniors Casey Wissmiller, Claire Post, Gianna Certa, and freshman Grace Wilkens.

During the game, junior Anna Beckman advanced to second base with a steal after drawing a walk. With two outs and Beckman in scoring position, Khoury hit a home run to left-center field, giving Illinois Wesleyan an early lead of 2-0.

Bethany Lutheran responded in the third inning with a run-scoring single that reduced IWU's lead to 2-1. However, Illinois Wesleyan extended their advantage in the bottom half of the inning when Grace Wilkens singled and stole second base. After Beckman reached on an error and Khoury was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Wissmiller delivered a sacrifice fly to increase their lead to 3-1.

In the fifth inning, Wilkens led off with another single followed by Beckman's single up the middle. A sacrifice bunt by senior Jen Kuhn moved both runners into scoring position for Khoury who then drove in two more runs with a single to left field, making it 5-1.

Bethany Lutheran managed to cut down IWU's lead with a two-run homer but could not close the gap further as sophomore Mallory Holland pitched 1.1 innings without allowing any hits.

Gianna Certa improved her season record to 19-2 after pitching for 5.2 innings where she struck out five batters and allowed six hits. Holland secured her seventh save of the year during her relief appearance.

Ava Khoury led Illinois Wesleyan's offense going 2-for-2 with four RBIs including a home run while Grace Wilkens contributed two hits and scored twice.

Illinois Wesleyan now prepares for their upcoming games in Super Regional play set for May 22-23 as part of NCAA Division III Softball Tournament.