North Central riding win streak

Just two weeks into the season it is rare to see a game that is so crucial to the end of season standings. However, North Central's softball team will square off Thursday against Illinois Wesleyan for first place in the CCIW.

Both teams are ranked in the top 20 nationally and will play their first conference games against each other. For North Central (14-2) it will be a chance to prove that its early-season success wasn't a fluke.

The Cardinals are riding high on an 11-game win-streak and haven't lost since the third day of the season when they fell to No. 2-ranked Tufts University. North Central has lifted in the rankings to No. 20 this week with a combination of lights-out pitching and gaudy offensive numbers. After sweeping a doubleheader on Tuesday against Beloit, North Central has scored 8 or more runs nine times. On the other side the Cardinals have held their opponents to 3 runs or less 12 times, including both of their losses.

North Central's hot play has helped propel coach Jim Kulawiak to elite heights. A doubleheader sweep on Saturday against Monmouth became Kulawiak's 699th and 700th career victories. Only 12 other Division III coaches have reached that mark.

The Cardinals entered the season as the slim favorite to win the conference, but the coaches poll vote was nearly a complete split. As they prepare for their doubleheader matchup against Illinois Wesleyan (13-2), they will look for their streak to continue and take hold of the conference standings.

Elmhurst:

Elmhurst's Tiffany Potthast has been selected as the CCIW hitter of the week. The junior went 6-for-7 over three games, helping go undefeated on the week.

Splitting her defensive time between pitching and the infield, Potthast has hit 3 triples, scored 4 runs and 5 RBI. In addition to her success at the plate she earned victories on the mound in two of the week's games. Over 14 innings Potthast has allowed just 1 earned run.