McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team concluded its season in the Super Regional round of the NCAA Division III Softball Tournament, facing a decisive 11-0 defeat against Linfield University. The match took place on Friday, May 23, in McMinnville, Oregon. With this result, the Titans ended their season with a record of 37-9, while Linfield advanced to the NCAA Division III Softball National Championship with a record of 43-5.

Illinois Wesleyan's 2025 season included significant achievements such as a program-record 25-game winning streak and becoming the first team in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin history to achieve a perfect 16-0 league play record. Additionally, they received their highest national ranking since 2020 and swept the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Player of the Week awards for the first time.

Linfield established an early lead with solo home runs in the first two innings before extending their advantage significantly with an eight-run third inning. Junior Anna Beckman managed Illinois Wesleyan's only hit during the game with a single in the fourth inning.

On the pitching front for Illinois Wesleyan, four players participated: junior Gianna Certa started and recorded her third loss of the season; freshman Ella Hermes, sophomore Mallory Holland, and junior Caroline Gatchell also contributed innings.

The game marked the end of college careers for seniors Kennady Estes, Ava Khoury, and Jen Kuhn. These players were instrumental in securing three CCIW Regular Season Championships and Tournament Championships as well as three NCAA Tournament appearances. Notably, Khoury graduates as Illinois Wesleyan's all-time home run leader while Kuhn leads in doubles and shares the top spot for career hits with Jillian Runyon at 226.