IWU Softball gets past Round 1 in D3 NCAA Tournament bracket

Illinois Wesleyan Titans hosted a portion of the 1st round of the NCAA D3 Basketball Tournament. The action took place at IWU Field in Bloomington, starting on Friday May 9th and ending on Sunday May 11th. Anderson, Fontbonne, and Lake Forest were the other competitors in this part of the bracket. IWU beat Lake Forest 5-1 on Friday, shutout Anderson 14-0 in six innings on Saturday and repeated against Lake Forest again on Sunday beating them for the 2nd time 3-2 in a come from behind situation. Grabbing Tournament honors for the Titans were Hannah Bowen (Most Outstanding Player), Sara Rogers, Jenna Noland, Molly McCready, Kyley McKeown. From Fridays IWU v Lake Forest game:
20140509 Lake Forest at Illinois Wesleyan softball - NCAA tournament - Images by Alan Look

Titans Topple Green Knights in 2nd Round D3 NCAA Championship Series at Shirk Center in Bloomington

The Green Knights of St Norberts jumped out to a small lead, but never led by more than 4 points till Jordan Nelson hit a 2 point jumper to tie the game with 14:12 showing ont the 1st half clock.  That was as close as the game got the rest of the way to the final buzzer.  The next score was a three pointer by Tital Michael Mayberger.  The Titans never relinquished the lead taking the game 84-68 at the end of play.  The Titans will continue to the Sweet Sixteen in a game they will host at Shirk Center on Friday March 14th at 7:30 pm against the Calvin Knights.

20140308 St Norbert at Illinois Wesleyan 2nd Round D3 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament photos - Images by Alan Look

 - Chimper -

IWU Titans time 2

Congrats to the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Basketball teams. Yes, both the IWU Titan Men's and the IWU Titan Women's teams this season have broke the barrier in Division III to make it to the respective NCAA tournaments.

Seems like I can never get enough free time to cover them too many times, but I generally manage to get there once or twice a season. If you never consider attending, you should. Especially when they are at home in the Shirk Center. The closeness of the seating creates a very exciting and competitive environment. I don't think you will find a gym where you can get closer to the action without being in it. Add the pep band you get some real atmosphere.

Oh, one more plus - at least in my eyes... I've never seen a break for a media time out! The game just keeps moving at the participants pace. Keeps the raw playing power and emotion in the game. Players, coaches and officials may see it different.

Congrats to all the Titans.

Ladies first!

20111217 St. Francis V Illinois Wesleyan Women - Images by Alan Look


20111217 Washington U V Illinois Wesleyan - Images by Alan Look