McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team secured a victory against Benedictine University with a score of 13-9. This win on the road brought the Titans to an undefeated record of 4-0 for the season, while Benedictine faced its second loss, now standing at 0-2.

Throughout the game, Illinois Wesleyan dominated in several statistical categories including shots (59-22), assists (10-6), ground balls (35-25), faceoff wins (22-4), and caused turnovers (14-12). However, Benedictine led in saves (13-5) and clears (25-16).

Sophomore Timothy McHugh from Orland Park, Illinois, matched his career-high with five assists and added one goal to lead the Titans with six points. Fifth-year player Ike Eastburn from Colorado Springs, Colorado, scored a team-high of five goals.

Senior Nick Schroeder excelled at faceoffs with a 17-for-19 performance and led the team with five ground balls. Junior Michael Rocco contributed by winning five out of seven faceoffs and scooping one ground ball. Senior goalie Colin Tervo recorded five saves while leading in caused turnovers with three.

Benedictine was first to score but was quickly matched by junior Cole Kennedy's goal for IWU. The Titans took their first lead through junior Noah Dretzka before McHugh and Eastburn combined for three consecutive goals, bringing IWU ahead 5-1. Although Benedictine managed to tie it up at 6 during the second period after scoring four straight goals, McHugh broke IWU's scoring drought in the third period.

Sam Skelton’s defensive play resulted in another goal for IWU as they entered the final quarter leading 8-7. The fourth period saw further contributions from John Kittoe connecting with Eastburn for a quick goal just seconds into play. Despite two more goals from Benedictine narrowing the gap to one point, Nate Pound’s goal assisted by McHugh helped secure victory along with additional scores from Kennedy and Black.

Illinois Wesleyan will now prepare for their home opener against Albion College on March 1st at Tucci Stadium. Following this match-up, the IWU women's lacrosse team will also host Edgewood College later that day.