Illinois Wesleyan University's softball team has finished second in the nation in Division III.
The Titan women dropped a 3-1 decision to Virginia Wesleyan in Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Illinois Wesleyan (40-14-1) scored one run in the first inning, but that was its only lead. Virginia Wesleyan (55-3) scored two in the bottom of the first and an insurance run in the fifth.
IWU overachieved, coming in to the tourney ranked 24th. Virginia Wesleyan had the top seed and repeated as national champions. The Titans had forced a final game in the best of three set with a win Monday afternoon.
The Titans had a single hit in the fourth innning and only two base runners. Their first inning run came off a hit batter, stolen base, sacrifice fly, and a wild pitch. Virginia Wesleyan had six hits.
This remains Illinois Wesleyan softball's best NCAA finish. Titan players Sam Berghoff, Jillian Runyon, and Brea Walker were named to the all-tournament team. IWU's softball team finished third in 2003.
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