DECORAH, Iowa – Behind a one-hitter by senior Jenna Noland, the Illinois Wesleyan softball team downed Luther College, 3-0, in the deciding game in the NCAA Division III Super Regional at Decorah, Iowa, on Saturday, May 21.
 
With a record of 35-11, Illinois Wesleyan will play in Salem, Va., May 26-31 and will be making its first appearance in the final round for softball since a 2003 third place finish. The Titans will play Massachusetts Institute of Technology at 4 p.m. (Eastern) on Thursday, May 26.
 
Luther's season ends with a 40-5 mark.
 
Noland was named the Super Regional "Most Outstanding Pitcher" and sophomore Maggie Graham was selected as the "Most Outstanding Player".
 
The Titans scored one in the fifth inning as senior shortstop Sam Gudat led off with a walk. Senior designated hitter Laura Bonds reached on an error on the pitcher and the bases got loaded on an infield single by senior leftfielder Mary Rankin. Senior catcher Danielle Smith hit a grounder that Luther shortstop Anna Strien muffed to allow Gudat to score.
 
IWU added two more insurance runs in the seventh, Smith had a leadoff single up the middle and freshman Julie Josten reached on an infield hit. Senior Cassidy Tarpey laid down a sacrifice bunt that sent runners to second and third. Junior Katie Caulfield got a squeeze bunt down to score Smith and sophomore Maggie Graham got an infield hit that brought in Josten.
 
Noland (14-4), who at one point retired 14 in a row, struck out two in the game.