The Illinois Wesleyan University women’s lacrosse team defeated North Central College 16-12 at Tucci Stadium on April 4, marking a senior day victory in Bloomington. The Titans improved their season record to 5-7 and began conference play with a win, while North Central dropped to 2-7.
This match was significant as it celebrated the contributions of graduating players and highlighted the team’s resilience during conference competition. Illinois Wesleyan honored fifth-year Bri Kiser, seniors Anelise DiGiovanni, Carleigh Fountain, Sarah Riepe, Sadie Newton, and junior Chloe Heyl before the game.
DiGiovanni and Newton led the Titans’ offense with four goals each. DiGiovanni also recorded an assist for a team-high in points. Sophomore Lillie Keeton contributed two goals and two assists, while sophomore Sophie Shore added two goals and one assist. Marli Brown made 11 saves in goal for Illinois Wesleyan. Keeton and Riepe led defensively with three caused turnovers each; Brown collected seven ground balls.
The game saw Illinois Wesleyan take an early lead before North Central tied it up in the second quarter. DiGiovanni broke the tie just before halftime to put her team ahead again. The Titans extended their advantage through quick transitions after draw controls by DiGiovanni and Shore in the third period.
North Central narrowed the margin late in the fourth quarter but could not overcome Illinois Wesleyan’s response as back-to-back goals from Newton and Fountain secured the result for the home side. The Titans never allowed their opponents closer than one goal during that stretch.
Illinois Wesleyan plays its next match away against Carroll University on April 11 at Schneider Stadium.
Illinois Wesleyan hosts home games at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington, Illinois, according to the official website. The program is a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin according to its official website and features student-athletes from freshman through fifth-year classes as reported by its official website. The team competes within intercollegiate athletics according to its official site based out of Bloomington as noted by its official site. In recent history, they achieved a notable 23-0 victory over Illinois Institute of Technology in 2025 according to their official website.
