McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team secured a victory against Edgewood College in their first home game of the 2025 season at Tucci Stadium. The Titans defeated the Eagles with a score of 11-5 on Saturday, March 1. This win improved IWU's record to 2-1, while Edgewood fell to 0-2.

Freshman Maddie Gibson, junior Carleigh Fountain, and senior Mia Fiandaca each contributed four points to lead Illinois Wesleyan's offense. Fiandaca scored four goals, Fountain added three goals and an assist, and Gibson recorded two goals along with two assists.

Fiandaca also led the team with six draw controls, closely followed by junior Sadie Newton who had five. Fiandaca collected nine ground balls, just one short of her career-best. Senior Avery Setzler achieved a career-high with eight ground balls, while freshman Carly Bajusz finished with five.

In defense, Fiandaca set a new program record by causing 12 turnovers. Setzler and junior Sarah Riepe each caused four turnovers as well.

Senior Lizzie Rymarcsuk played all 60 minutes in goal for IWU, earning her second consecutive win with three saves and three ground balls.

The game saw Fountain scoring first for IWU after receiving a pass from Riepe in the first period. Shortly after, Fountain assisted Fiandaca for another goal. Edgewood managed to close the gap before the end of the first quarter but was unable to maintain momentum.

In the second quarter, Fiandaca scored twice more following passes from Riepe and junior Anelise DiGiovanni. By halftime, IWU led 5-2.

The Titans dominated the third quarter with goals from Gibson and sophomore Chloe Heyl among others, extending their lead to 9-2 by its end.

Illinois Wesleyan maintained control in the fourth quarter to secure an 11-5 victory over Edgewood College.

IWU will remain at home for their next match against Lake Forest College at Tucci Stadium on Sunday, March 2 at 1 p.m.