BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball team defeated Illinois College by a final score of 76-60 on Saturday, Nov. 26 to move to the championship match of the Midwest Challenge at the Shirk Center.

With a win the Titans moved to 2-2 on the season while Illinois College fell to 2-1.

Senior guard Amanda Kelly led the way for the Titans, scoring a career-high 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Scoring 14 of her points in the first quarter, Kelly eclipsed her previous career best of 15 points (vs. North Central, Feb. 12, 2014). Kelly also recorded three steals and four assists in 16 minutes of play.

IWU held the lead for the entire game, leading by as much as 30 points in the second period. The Titans got off to a fast start in the first half, opening the game on a 13-0 run, and led 35-12 after the first period and 47-19 at halftime.

Illinois Wesleyan turned up the heat on defense during the first half, forcing Illinois College into 23 turnovers. The Lady Blues finished with 32 turnovers and IWU capitalized by scoring 30 points off those turnovers.

Senior Rebekah Ehresman led the Titans with four steals to go alongside her four rebounds, four points, and three assists.

The Titans used the second half to work new players into the rotation with the starters receiving minimal minutes. Sophomore Laryn Sapetti scored six points in the second-half to lead the team. With eight points total Sapetti set a new career-high.

Senior Gabrielle Holness and freshman Sydney Shanks led the Titans with five rebounds apiece. 

Illinois College was led by Carly Cameron who tallied 15 points. Brielle Greenleaf added 11 points for the Lady Blues despite turning the ball over 10 times.

What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan will face off against Washington U.-St. Louis tomorrow at 3 p.m. in the championship match of the Midwest Challenge at the Shirk Center, following the conclusion of the third place match between DePauw and Illinois College, which tips-off at 1 p.m. ... IWU lost to WashU, 82-59, in the 2014 Midwest Challenge title game held at Illinois College ... The Titans are 5-19 all-time against WashU ... The Bears are No. 9 in the d3hoops.com preseason rankings, its 113th straight week in the top-25. WashU is also No. 7 in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association preseason poll.

WashU vs. DePauw:
WashU. makes an appearance in the title game after a 60-48 romp over DePauw University. Rachel Sondag led the Bears with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting while Jenn Dynis added 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting. DePauw held a distinct rebounding advantage over WashU., securing 42 boards to 34, including 15 on the offensive glass.