McLean County Times

Making a return to the Super Regional round of the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time since 2019, Illinois Wesleyan University's softball team faced Linfield University at Del Smith Stadium on May 22. The Titans, ranked 20th, saw their 25-game winning streak end with a 2-0 loss to the sixth-ranked Wildcats in the opening game of a best-of-three series.

Anna Beckman from Bourbonnais, Illinois, secured Illinois Wesleyan's first hit early in the game but was left stranded after advancing to scoring position. Linfield took an early lead with a double that brought in a runner from second base.

Mallory Holland faced challenges in the third inning as Linfield loaded bases but managed to limit further damage with strategic plays. Despite Jen Kuhn and Casey Wissmiller's defensive efforts, Linfield extended their lead to 2-0.

Illinois Wesleyan had opportunities to score throughout the game but couldn't capitalize. Notably, Kuhn hit a double in the fourth inning but was left on base. In another attempt during the fifth inning, singles by Ella Hermes and Claire Post were not converted into runs.

The Titans had one last chance in the seventh inning when Bella Pinter and Hermes both singled; however, they couldn't complete a comeback as subsequent batters failed to bring them home.

Overall, Illinois Wesleyan outhit Linfield six hits to four. Holland pitched for 3.2 innings allowing two runs while Caroline Gatchell finished without allowing any hits over 2.1 innings.

The Titans will need victories in both games tomorrow against Linfield to advance to the NCAA Division III Softball National Championship. The next game is scheduled for May 23 at 2 p.m. PT.