BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- The No. 17-ranked Illinois Wesleyan University women's soccer team defeated Millikin University in impressive fashion on Wednesday, Oct. 18 by a final score of 4-0. Illinois Wesleyan's defense held the Big Blue to six total shots throughout the contest with zero falling on goal.

With a win the Titans improved to 12-3 overall with a 4-1 record in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). Millikin fell to 7-7-1 and 0-4-1 in the CCIW with a loss.

Freshman Kelli McCarthy completed her sixth shutout of the season in goal as the defensive line-up of senior Cassie Leishman, sophomore Ellie Crabtree, and freshmen Maureen McGrath and Sydney Pinder held Millikin in check throughout the match. McCarthy wasn't required to make a save during the match. Millikin's Anna Benvenuto made eight saves for the Big Blue.

Illinois Wesleyan put constant pressure on Millikin's defense taking a total of 28 shots with 13 shots on goal. Eight different Titans recorded shots on goal against the Big Blue. IWU also held a 15-1 advantage on corner kicks, one of which led to a goal late in the second half.

Senior Rosie Pettenuzzo opened the scoring for Illinois Wesleyan in the 23rd minute as her shot from 20 yards out curled into the upper 90 off an assist from freshman Cameron Hindel.

The score remained 1-0 until the 65th minute when a handball inside the box provided a penalty kick opportunity for senior Rachel Westerkamp. Westerkamp slotted the chance home for her second goal via PK of the season.

Following a corner kick in the 81st minute, Crabtree collected a pass from McGrath inside the box to score her first goal of the season. Crabtree also had a hand in the Titans final goal of the evening, a breakaway from freshman Megan O'Neal who's high arching shot fell past the keeper's outstretched glove.

What's Next?

Illinois Wesleyan will honor their five seniors on "Seniors' Day" this Saturday, Oct. 21 at 4:00 p.m. The Titans are set to face Carthage College who enter the contest with a 9-6 overall record and a 2-3 record in CCIW competition.