McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team began their 2024 season with a loss against Hope College, falling 15-8. The Titans are now at 0-1 for the season.

Senior Ike Eastburn led the Titans with two goals. Junior John Kittoe and senior Gage Black each contributed one goal and one assist, totaling two points apiece. In goal, junior Colin Tervo made 12 saves. Nick Schroeder had a team-high eight ground balls and went 13-for-21 on face-offs with one caused turnover. Senior Michael Campagna recorded three caused turnovers, while sophomores Kaden Gammelgard and Kade Miers added two each.

The game saw both teams exchanging runs after Eastburn scored first from an assist by freshman Timothy McHugh just over a minute into play. Hope responded with three consecutive goals before Kittoe and Campagna tied it up at 3-3 by the end of the first period.

In an evenly matched second quarter, both teams entered halftime tied at five. However, Hope took control in the third period by scoring twice early to lead 7-5.

Senior Trystan Seeley narrowed the gap to one goal midway through the third period, but Hope dominated with six more goals over an eighteen-minute stretch to secure a commanding lead of 14-7.

Eastburn scored again late in the game around the 2:30 mark; however, it was insufficient as Illinois Wesleyan concluded their opener down seven goals.

Looking ahead, the Titans will travel to Louisville for a neutral site matchup against Sewanee on Saturday, February 24th at 3 p.m. ET.