Another packed week of Indiana Wesleyan athletics brought a mix of statement wins, tough conference battles, and continued individual excellence across multiple programs. As spring seasons intensify, the Wildcats are finding themselves tested while still delivering standout performances and building momentum toward the heart of conference play.
Baseball
Indiana Wesleyan baseball faced one of its toughest tests of the season in a four-game set against Marian, ultimately dropping three of four games on the road. The Wildcats opened the series with a resilient 9-7 win, rallying late behind clutch hitting, including a go-ahead two-RBI single from Greg Vineyard in the seventh inning.
The momentum didn’t carry through the rest of the weekend. IWU dropped the second game of Friday’s doubleheader 8-4 after falling behind early, despite battling back to tie the game midway through. Saturday proved even more challenging, as Marian’s offense erupted for a 13-3 win in game one before their pitching staff silenced the Wildcats in a 7-0 shutout in game two.
Now sitting at 18-14 overall and 12-8 in Crossroads League play, IWU looks to regroup quickly. Schedule adjustments due to weather have shifted upcoming matchups, including a rescheduled game against Indiana Tech and a moved series with Grace. With conference standings tightening, every game moving forward carries added weight.
Softball
It was a rollercoaster week for Wildcat softball, highlighted by a statement win over No. 7 Marian and capped by dominant offensive performances at home. IWU split with Marian in a competitive doubleheader, dropping a heartbreaking extra-inning opener before responding emphatically with a 9-1 run-rule victory in game two. Brylee Bilger continued her historic career, moving into third place on the all-time RBI list at IWU.
The Lady Wildcats battled adversity midweek against Taylor, falling 11-7 in game one after surrendering a late lead, while game two was suspended due to weather. They quickly bounced back, sweeping Bethel in dominant fashion. The Lady Wildcats outscored the Pilots 24-2 across two run-rule victories, fueled by explosive hitting performances from Morgan Yeater and Maddie Martin, who tied her career high with six RBI in game two.
IWU also picked up a road win over Huntington, continuing to show resilience despite multiple weather interruptions that led to suspended contests. Now at 18-8 overall, the Wildcats are gaining momentum heading into a key stretch of conference play, with another matchup against Grace on deck.
Men’s & Women’s Basketball
Even with their season concluded, Indiana Wesleyan men’s basketball continues to collect accolades following an impressive 28-6 campaign. Caedmon Bontrager headlined the honors, earning NAIA First Team All-American recognition and a spot on the NABC NAIA All-Region Team after a dominant season that also saw him named Crossroads League Player of the Year. Off the court, DJ Moore and Crew Gibson were recognized for their excellence in the classroom, earning CSC Academic All-District honors.
Indiana Wesleyan women’s basketball also saw its season legacy strengthened through academic recognition, with four Wildcats (Koryn Greiwe, Jayd Hovey, Ellie Kelleher, and Tori Thompson) earning CSC Academic All-District honors.
The awards reflect both programs’ balance of competitive play and academic achievement, as these student-athletes met rigorous standards both on the court and in the classroom. With multiple contributors recognized, IWU continues to build a culture of excellence that extends beyond the game.
Men’s Tennis
The Wildcats experienced a competitive week on the court, narrowly falling to No. 20 Grace 4-3 despite sweeping doubles play. Indiana Wesleyan showed strong chemistry early, taking all three doubles matches, but Grace responded by winning four of six singles contests to edge out the victory.
IWU bounced back in impressive fashion with a 5-2 road win over Spring Arbor. Matheus Lima once again led the charge, clinching the match at No. 1 singles, while contributions across the lineup secured the Wildcats second conference win of the season. Now 7-11 overall, IWU is building momentum as they prepare for upcoming home action, looking to climb in the Crossroads League standings.
Women’s Tennis
The No. 21 Lady Wildcats continued their strong spring with back-to-back 5-2 victories over Grace and Spring Arbor, extending their conference record to a perfect 4-0. IWU showcased depth and consistency, with multiple players contributing to key wins in both doubles and singles.
Nicole Puga, Sofia Munoz, and Maria Oliveira were among the standout performers, consistently delivering points in singles competition. The Wildcats have now won several matches in a row and continue to rise in the NAIA rankings. With a busy weekend ahead, including multiple matches after a cancellation earlier in the week, IWU looks poised to maintain its strong conference start.
Track & Field
Indiana Wesleyan Track and Field continued its outdoor season at the Marian Knight Open, turning in another impressive performance highlighted by Bri Nichols. The senior set NAIA “A” standards in both the hammer throw and discus, solidifying her position among the top competitors nationally.
Nichols’ dominance earned her a second consecutive Crossroads League Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week honor, while Ally Hawk added an NAIA “B” standard in the 400-meter hurdles. On the men’s side, Trevor Schwartz set a program record in the 5000m race walk, adding to a strong showing that included multiple event victories. The Wildcats now turn their attention to the upcoming Easter Invite at Indiana Tech.
Golf
Indiana Wesleyan’s golf programs faced strong competition this week in high-level tournaments. The men’s team finished 13th at The Battle at Laughlin Ranch, with Sam Dykema leading the way with a top 15 individual finish and consistent play across all three rounds. On the women’s side, the Wildcats ranked No. 9 in the latest NAIA Coaches’ Poll and placed eighth at the Lady Roadrunner Spring Invite. Bree Noll delivered the top performance for IWU, finishing ninth individually, while the team showed depth with multiple golfers posting solid rounds.
Competitive Cheer
Indiana Wesleyan Competitive Cheer capped off its season with an outstanding runner-up finish at the 2026 NAIA National Championships. The Wildcats delivered one of their best performances of the year in the finals, posting a 93.0, one of the top scores in program history. Their combined score of 92.72 secured second place nationally, marking a significant achievement and showcasing the program’s continued rise.
Looking Ahead
As April begins, the Wildcats are entering a critical stretch across all spring sports. Baseball and softball continue conference play with playoff implications on the line, while tennis and track build toward championship season. Meanwhile, football season ticket renewals are now open, signaling anticipation for the fall. With momentum, adversity, and opportunity all in play, Indiana Wesleyan athletics is set for an exciting and defining stretch in the weeks ahead.
