McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team secured a 22-13 victory over Linfield University on March 12, marking their second game during a spring break trip to the Pacific Northwest. The win elevated IWU's record to 3-2 for the season, while Linfield fell to 1-3.

Britney Maldonado delivered an exceptional performance by breaking her own program record with 17 points. She scored three goals and provided a record-setting 14 assists. This achievement surpassed her previous single-game points record set against Elmhurst on April 24, 2023. Her assist total exceeded Sam Bidlack's previous program-high of seven, accomplished in two separate games. Maldonado's assist count is currently the highest across NCAA Division I, II, or III this season and ranks tied for second all-time in Division III history. Her overall point tally ties for third all-time in a single game within Division III history.

Mia Fiandaca contributed significantly by scoring eight goals and adding an assist, finishing with nine points. Avery Setzler added five goals to the team's effort, while Devon Hanson and Carleigh Fountain each recorded three goals.

In defense, Bri Kiser made seven saves for IWU. Fiandaca also led the team with five forced turnovers and six ground balls. Hanson excelled in draw controls with eleven wins.

The match began strongly for IWU as Hanson won the opening draw leading to an early goal by Fiandaca less than twenty seconds into the game. Fiandaca quickly doubled the lead shortly after with another goal following a rebound opportunity.

Despite some resistance from Linfield later in the first quarter, IWU maintained control of the match throughout its duration. The Titans managed to withstand any pushback from their opponents due to strong defensive plays and strategic offensive executions.

IWU will conclude its spring break trip with a match against the University of Puget Sound scheduled for March 14 at Griswold Stadium on Lewis and Clark College's campus at 7 p.m PT.