McLean County Times

In a crucial College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin matchup, the Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team secured a 15-7 victory over North Central College on Wednesday night. The win improved IWU's record to 8-7 overall and 3-2 in conference play, while NCC dropped to 7-6 overall and 2-3 in league action.

Trailing 5-4 at halftime, IWU made a strong comeback by scoring seven of the eight goals in the third period. Senior Britney Maldonado led the offensive effort with four goals and seven assists, totaling 11 points. Sophomore Carleigh Fountain and junior Mia Fiandaca each contributed four goals, while junior Avery Setzler added two goals and an assist.

Despite being outdrawn as a team with a 14-12 disadvantage, sophomore Devon Hanson recorded six draw controls for IWU. Fiandaca added two draw controls, while three other Titans each had one.

IWU collected 28 ground balls as a team during the game. Setzler led with five ground balls, tying her career-best performance. Hanson and sophomore Sarah Riepe each scooped up four ground balls, while Sadie Newton recorded three.

Continuing their strong defensive play, Illinois Wesleyan finished with 15 caused turnovers. Hanson and Riepe led the defense with three caused turnovers each, while Setzler and Maldonado forced two turnovers apiece.

Junior Lizzie Rymarcsuk earned her third victory of the season as she guarded the goal for IWU, making nine saves over the course of the game.

The Titans began their second-half rally when Fountain forced an NCC turnover and assisted Hanson to tie the game at 5-5 early in the third quarter. The offense capitalized on another Cardinals' error to take back the lead when Fiandaca assisted Maldonado for her hat trick goal.

After North Central briefly tied it again at six all, Fountain took advantage of a free position attempt to regain IWU's lead at 7-6 midway through the third period. The Green and White extended their lead further as Maldonado assisted on several key plays leading to additional goals by Fiandaca and Setzler.

Entering the final period with an 11-6 lead after another collaboration between Maldonado and Fiandaca resulted in yet another goal, IWU continued their momentum into the fourth quarter with Fountain scoring from a pass by Maldonado. Despite NCC responding quickly thereafter, IWU maintained control to secure their decisive win.

Illinois Wesleyan is set to conclude its regular season against Augustana College on Saturday, April 27th. This match will serve as Senior Day for IWU’s seniors Britney Maldonado and Hannah Trousdale before it begins at noon inside Tucci Stadium.