Certa's Strong Weekend Leads to CCIW Pitcher of the Week Honors

Eighth weekly award of her career

4/27/2026 4:00:00 PM

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Illinois Wesleyan University softball senior pitcher Gianna Certa (Third Lake, Ill.-Grayslake North) reeled in her third College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Pitcher of the Week award of the season Monday, April 27. It is the eighth weekly award of her career.

Certa closed CCIW play with two wins as Illinois Wesleyan won its fourth straight conference regular season title, April 25-26. Certa made two appearances - both complete game shutouts, while allowing just six hits over 12 innings and striking out 21.

She kicked off the week with a five-inning no-hitter against Carroll, April 25, that saw the senior righty fan the first eight batters she faced. She closed the no-no by striking out the Pios in the fifth as IWU ran away with an 8-0 win. Needing a win to clinch the CCIW Regular Season Championship outright, the Titans turned to the senior in game one of a doubleheader against Carthage one day later. Another gem in the circle saw the Third Lake, Ill. native scatter six hits en route to prevailing in a 1-0 pitcher's duel. Certa struck out 10 in the game and walked none.

With the wins, Certa boosted her season record to 10-2, while she completed an 8-0 go-around in the CCIW. For her career, Certa is 23-0 in CCIW regular season games.

Illinois Wesleyan turns its attention to a non-conference doubleheader at DePauw University Thursday, April 30. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.

2026 CCIW Softball Student-Athletes of the Week
Hitter
April 27: Summer Wynn, Millikin
April 20: Casey Wissmiller, Illinois Wesleyan
April 13: Summer Wynn, Millikin
April 6: Audrey Gradin, Augustana
March 30: Charley Condill, Millikin
March 23: Abby Whitehead, Wheaton
March 16: Gwen Hendrick, Carthage
March 9: Clare Rettler, Carthage
March 2: Kayla Lorenz, North Park

Pitcher
April 27: Gianna Certa, Illinois Wesleyan
April 20: Gianna Certa, Illinois Wesleyan
April 13: Addie Garr, Augustana
April 6: Gianna Certa, Illinois Wesleyan
March 30: Anais Fernandez, Carthage
March 23: Shylah Dozeman, Wheaton
March 16: Sam Schilf, North Central
March 9: Sam Schilf, North Central
March 2: Makayla Wall, Carroll

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