Illinois Wesleyan University’s softball team emerged victorious against Bethany Lutheran College, securing a 5-3 win in the Bloomington regional. This victory at Inspiration Field propels Illinois Wesleyan to the NCAA Division III Super Regional for the first time since 2019. The team’s record now stands at 37-7.
Senior Ava Khoury was named the Most Outstanding Player and was one of five players from Illinois Wesleyan to make the all-tournament team. Joining her were juniors Casey Wissmiller, Claire Post, Gianna Certa, and freshman Grace Wilkens.
The game saw junior Anna Beckman draw a walk and advance to second with a steal. With two outs, Khoury hit a home run to left-center field, giving Illinois Wesleyan an early 2-0 lead in the first inning.
Bethany Lutheran managed to score in the third inning after utilizing a walk and a single to reduce the deficit to 2-1. However, Illinois Wesleyan responded by regaining their two-run lead in the bottom of the same inning with help from Grace Wilkens’ single and Casey Wissmiller’s sacrifice fly.
In the fifth inning, Wilkens led off with another single followed by Beckman’s hit up the middle. A sacrifice bunt by senior Jen Kuhn put two runners in scoring position for Khoury, who then delivered a two-run single to extend their lead to 5-1.
Bethany Lutheran narrowed it down with a two-run homer but could not overcome Illinois Wesleyan’s advantage. Sophomore Mallory Holland closed out the final innings without allowing any hits, securing her seventh save of the season.
Pitcher Gianna Certa improved her season record to 19-2 with her performance over 5.2 innings, recording five strikeouts while allowing six hits. Offensively, Khoury contributed significantly with four RBIs and a home run among seven total team hits.
Looking ahead, Illinois Wesleyan will face off against either Linfield University or George Fox University on May 22-23 in McMinnville for their next challenge in the tournament.
