Women’s Golf Takes Control at CCIW Championship

IWU extends lead to 35 shots

10/2/2026 5:19:00 PM

METAMORA, Ill. - One day after shooting the program's second-best round at a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championship, the 18th-ranked Illinois Wesleyan University women's golf team came out red-hot with a three-over par 287 on day two at Metamora Fields Golf Club. The Titans improved upon their opening round score by nine strokes to boost their lead to 35 strokes.

Illinois Wesleyan's impressive day was a collective effort as all six Titans finished the day inside the top-20. Junior Grace Fagan (St. Louis, Mo.-Visitation Academy) posted the first below-par round of the tournament, carding a one-under 70, to climb into the driver's seat atop the player leaderboard. Fagan finished strong, birdying No. 17 and No. 18 to hold a two-day total of one-over 143.

Senior Nora Ceronni (Waukesha, Wis,-Waukesha North) and freshman Natalie Ocheltree (Normal, Ill.-University High) are tied for second at 146. Ceronni carded an even-par 72, including a one-under 34 on the front-nine, while Ocheltree posted a 74. Rounding out the run of four straight Titans, senior Emily Gastrau (Wauwatosa, Wis.-Wauwatosa East) finds herself in fourth-place. Gastrau turned in a one-over 72, with a birdie on No. 17, to move up two spots on the leaderboard.

Junior Gigi Zera (Glenview, Ill.-Loyola Academy) and freshman Merritt Bell (Palatine, Ill.-Fremd) each climbed into the top-20. Zera is tied for ninth following a four-over, 75, while Bell holds a share of 18th.

The final round is set for tomorrow, Oct. 3, with Illinois Wesleyan scheduled to tee off at 10:40 a.m. beginning with Bell. Live scoring can be found on the women's golf schedule page of iwusports.com.

IWU Individual Standings
1. Grace Fagan 73-70
T2. Natalie Ocheltree 72-74
T2. Nora Cerroni 75-71
4. Emily Gastrau 76-72
T9. Gigi Zera 84-75
T18. Merritt Bell 82-81

Team Standings
1. Illinois Wesleyan 296-287
2. Carthage 301-317
3. Augustana 319-319
4. North Central 322-320
5. Millikin 329-329
6. Carroll 333-342
7. Wheaton 350-348
8. Elmhurst 366-347

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