The Illinois Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team narrowly defeated Carthage College, 12-11, in the semifinal round of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament. The match took place at Tucci Stadium on Wednesday night. This victory propels IWU into the CCIW Tournament Championship game against Elmhurst University, scheduled for Saturday, May 4.
Senior Gage Black led the Titans with five goals. Sophomore Noah Dretzka contributed with two goals and two assists. Freshman Timothy McHugh provided three assists, while senior Trystan Seeley added two goals and an assist.
In goal, junior Colin Tervo made 17 saves and secured seven ground balls. Senior Zo Lombardo also played a significant role by winning faceoffs and collecting five ground balls along with an assist.
Lombardo's initial win set up Black's first goal early in the game. The Titans quickly built a 3-0 lead with contributions from Seeley and McHugh. Despite Carthage's efforts to close the gap, IWU maintained its lead through key plays by Black and Dretzka.
Carthage managed to tie the game at 11-all in the final quarter, but a crucial faceoff win by Lombardo allowed Dretzka to score again with Seeley's assistance. Tervo's critical save ensured IWU retained its narrow lead until the end.
Illinois Wesleyan will compete against Elmhurst for the title at Tucci Stadium this Saturday at noon. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, students, and children aged 6-14. Children under five and current CCIW students with valid ID can attend for free.
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