Dupage Policy Journal

Host Illinois Wesleyan and third-seeded Millikin emerged as the unbeaten teams after the first day of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Softball Championship. The Titans and Big Blue are set to face off on Friday at 3:30 p.m., while second-seeded Augustana will play fifth-seeded North Central in an elimination game at 1 p.m.

North Central eliminated Carthage in Thursday’s tournament opener with a 7-4 victory. Talia Torosian's two-run home run broke a tie, leading the Cardinals to success. Julianna Maude pitched 5.1 innings for North Central, and Sam Schilft secured the save. Carthage's Clare Rettler went 3-for-3, but it wasn't enough to prevent their elimination.

In another match, Millikin defeated Wheaton 3-0, thanks to Kelsey Bruno's one-hit shutout performance with 12 strikeouts. Bella Palermo contributed by driving in Kendallyn Davison with a groundout in the second inning.

Illinois Wesleyan advanced by defeating North Central 6-1. Gianna Certa achieved her 15th win, while Mallory Holland recorded her fifth save. Jen Kuhn and Bella Pinter each had RBI singles early in the game, establishing a lead that was never relinquished.

Millikin also won against Augustana, rallying for five runs in the final three innings to secure an 8-4 victory. Anna Enlow played a key role with an RBI single, followed by Haley Willan's two-run single that gave Millikin a decisive lead.

The competition continues Friday with Illinois Wesleyan facing Millikin and Augustana taking on North Central.