McLean County Times

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team faced a challenging match against the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Saturday, March 30, resulting in a 17-11 defeat. This outcome shifted IWU's record to 5-4, while UWRF improved to 5-3.

The game began with the Falcons scoring five consecutive goals. The Titans responded with their own series of five goals in the second period to even the score. Senior Britney Maldonado initiated this run by assisting sophomore Sarah Riepe for a goal at 13:27. Sophomore Anelise DiGiovanni followed with two goals, and sophomore Carleigh Fountain assisted junior Mia Fiandaca to bring IWU within one goal at 5-4.

Junior Avery Setzler concluded the Titans' run with an unassisted goal, but UW-River Falls regained the lead with two more goals, making it 7-5. With under three minutes left in the first half, sophomore Devon Hanson and Maldonado scored to tie it at seven. However, UWRF quickly responded with two goals in less than a minute to take a 9-7 lead into halftime.

In the third period, Illinois Wesleyan narrowed the gap again after UW-River Falls extended their lead to three. Maldonado scored and then assisted Setzler for another goal, reducing the deficit to one at 10-9.

Despite efforts from IWU, including Maldonado leading with five points from three goals and two assists, UW-River Falls took control by scoring five unanswered goals, securing their victory at 17-11.

Defensively for IWU, Hanson and sophomore Sadie Newton each caused two turnovers. Setzler contributed four ground balls and four draw controls. Junior Bri Kiser made 15 saves as goalkeeper.

Illinois Wesleyan will continue its road trip with a game against Lake Forest College on Wednesday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m.