McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team faced a tough challenge against Lake Forest College, resulting in a 21-8 defeat on Wednesday evening, April 3. This outcome leaves IWU with an overall record of 5-5, while Lake Forest improves to 9-2.

The match began with more than three minutes without a goal until Lake Forest scored first. Senior Britney Maldonado from Hoffman Estates leveled the score for the Titans after winning the draw, assisted by sophomore Carleigh Fountain from Orland Park.

Lake Forest then dominated by scoring seven of the next nine goals, taking an 8-3 lead into the second quarter. The Foresters continued their strong performance with six goals in the first seven minutes of the second period, extending their lead to 14-3.

Maldonado's free position goal and junior Avery Setzler's score temporarily stopped Lake Forest's momentum. However, two more goals from Lake Forest before halftime secured an 18-5 advantage.

In the third quarter, LFC added four more goals. Sophomore Sadie Newton from Bloomington netted her third goal during the fourth period as IWU outscored Lake Forest 3-1 in that quarter but ultimately fell short with a final score of 21-8.

Junior Bri Kiser from Crown Point made seven saves in net for IWU. Anelise DiGiovanni led with three caused turnovers, while Grace Spader, Devon Hanson, and Setzler each contributed two caused turnovers.

Maldonado was a standout performer with five points through three goals and two assists. Newton also achieved a hat trick to tie for team-leading goals. Setzler added two points with one goal and one assist and shared the team lead in groundballs with DiGiovanni at three each. She also led in draw controls with seven; Hanson added three.

Illinois Wesleyan concludes its road trip on Saturday, April 6, against the University of Chicago at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field at 1 p.m., marking their College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener.