ST. JOSEPH, Minn.— With four runs scored in the first inning, the Wartburg College Knights Softball squad (28-12) took an early lead and never looked back, defeating the Illinois Wesleyan University Titans (27-14), 5-2.
 
The Knights will face the winner of the Saint Benedict/Nebraska Wesleyan game on May 14 at 12 p.m. Fans can follow along with live stats, live video, and check out the tournament site.
 
Game Recap
 
Kaylie Springer (2-of-4) had a lead-off double in the bottom of the first inning for the Orange & Black. Sydney Illg (1-of-3) joined Springer on base after a hit by pitch. Ella Link (1-of-3) hit an RBI single to bring home Springer for the first run of the game. Illg would score the Knights second run on a Lauren Frerichs' (1-of-3) RBI bunt. Tarah Wehde (2-of-3) hit an RBI single to third as Frerichs and Link pushed two runs across for the Knights.
 
Starting in the pitchers' circle for the Knights, Ashley Nelson allowed only two runs in the first two innings of the game. Nelson allowed the only two runs of the day in the third inning, as the Titans cut the Knights lead to two at 4-2.
 
Three straight singles started off the bottom of the sixth for the Knights as Springer stepped up to the plate with bases loaded. Springer reached on a fielder's choice as Wehde was called out at home. Illg reached on a fielder's choice as Sydney Fellows scored the fifth run of the game for the Knights. A double steal by Illg and Springer preceded Olivia Brecht's fly out to right field, ending the Knights at bat.
 
The Knights allowed one hit in the seventh inning, ending the game with a double play.
 
The Knights had 10 runs on 29 at bats, four RBIs, three stolen bases, one hit by pitch, and one double in the game. Nelson recorded her seventh complete game this season.
 
Record Watch
 
Illg moved into the No. 2 spot for career runs scored with her run in the first inning. Illg is one run away from tying Ashley Rogers (2005-09) at 143 runs scored as a Knight. Illg moves into the No. 4 spot in season only records for assists with 107 assists.
 
In season only stolen bases, Springer moved into the No. 2 spot with 43 stolen bases this season. Frerichs moved up to a tie for fifth with 28 stolen bases this season. Springer moves into a tie for fifth most hits in a season at 59.
 
Game Score Line
 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
IWU	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	6	1
Wartburg	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	5	10	0

Postgame Press Conference
 
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