The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team advanced in the winners bracket of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament on May 8, following a 5-0 victory over Augustana College. The Titans secured their ninth consecutive appearance in the CCIW Tournament title game and will play either Augustana or North Central College on May 9 at Inspiration Field.
This result positions Illinois Wesleyan one win away from claiming the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Their opponent will need to defeat them twice to secure the title. The program competes at the NCAA Division III level and is a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, according to the official website.
Key defensive plays helped keep Augustana off the scoreboard early, including an outfield assist by sophomore Grace Wilkens that prevented a run in the first inning. Senior Gianna Certa pitched a complete-game shutout, scattering seven hits over seven innings while striking out four batters.
Offensively, Riley McDoniel led with three hits for Illinois Wesleyan. Kelsey Bartels added two hits and scored during a four-run fifth inning that broke open what had been a close contest. Claire Post contributed with a home run, three runs batted in, and two walks as part of an eight-hit team effort.
The Titans host games at Inspiration Field in Bloomington, Illinois and operate from Bloomington as part of their intercollegiate athletics program within NCAA Division III competition, according to the official website.
Illinois Wesleyan will look to clinch its spot in this year’s NCAA Tournament when it faces either Augustana or North Central College on May 9.
