Maureen Harty Executive Director | College Conference Of Wisconsin And Illinois
Maureen Harty Executive Director | College Conference Of Wisconsin And Illinois
KENOSHA, Wis. --- The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team disrupted Carthage College's Senior Day on Sunday, April 27, securing at least a share of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Regular Season Championship. The Titans achieved 8-1 and 2-1 victories over the Firebirds, bringing their record to 29-7 overall and 12-0 in league play. Carthage's record fell to 24-13 and 10-6 in CCIW competition after the losses.
In the first game, Illinois Wesleyan scored an 8-1 win against Carthage. For the initial four innings, both teams struggled offensively, with Carthage showing promise in the fourth inning. However, junior Gianna Certa kept the Firebirds scoreless by securing back-to-back outs. Sophomore Margo Geary and freshman Riley McDoniel led the offense for the Titans in the sixth inning. Senior Ava Khoury earned a walk, and junior Claire Post reached on an error, paving the way for Geary and McDoniel to advance as pinch runners. This strategic play allowed Geary to score, giving Illinois Wesleyan a 1-0 lead. Further contributions came from freshman Grace Wilkens and junior Anna Beckman, who added to the score. Senior Jen Kuhn sealed the inning with a two-run double.
Carthage managed a run with a two-out single but Illinois Wesleyan retaliated with three more runs. Freshman Ella Hermes and junior Casey Wissmiller contributed to scoring, increasing their lead to 8-1. "Certa went the full 7.0 innings in the circle, surrendering one run on four hits," earning the victory. Beckman distinguished herself with a 3-for-3 performance, earning three RBIs and two walks.
The second game featured a close contest ending in a 2-1 win for Illinois Wesleyan. Sophomore Mallory Holland faced Olivia Hristov in the circle, with defensive plays supporting the Titans. "Holland cued up a clutch strikeout and Hermes made a snag at second base to strand three," ensuring the game stayed scoreless early on.
Carthage scored first in the fifth inning, but Illinois Wesleyan responded in the bottom half. Freshman Bella Pinter and junior Casey Wissmiller provided crucial hits, setting the stage for Beckman to deliver a decisive two-run single. Holland maintained the lead through a scoreless sixth inning before Certa secured the final outs in the seventh.
Looking ahead, the Titans will focus on academic exams before playing Augustana College on Wednesday, April 30, at Inspiration Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m., with the outcome determining the CCIW Tournament host. Illinois Wesleyan aims to clinch the No. 1 seed and full championship, while Augustana seeks a share of the title with a sweep.
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