McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team is set to begin its spring break trip with a game against McDaniel College on Sunday, March 9. The match will take place at Kenneth R. Gill Stadium in Maryland, starting at 12 p.m. ET.

Illinois Wesleyan, holding a record of 3-2, comes into the game following a loss to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a score of 16-4 on Thursday, March 6. Senior Mia Fiandaca led her team with three goals and contributed significantly in defense with five ground balls and five draw controls. Freshman Brooke Ayres made an impact by achieving a career-high of five caused turnovers. In goal, senior Lizzie Rymarcsuk played the entire match and made nine saves.

Fiandaca currently leads the team with 15 points from 15 goals this season. Senior Avery Setzler follows closely behind with 14 points, including 11 goals and three assists. Junior Carleigh Fountain has also been instrumental with nine goals and four assists for a total of 13 points. Additionally, freshman Maddie Gibson and juniors Sadie Newton and Anelise DiGiovanni each have recorded five assists.

In terms of draw controls, Fiandaca leads the team with 25 while Newton has secured 21. Setzler ranks third on the team in this category with seven draw controls. Ground ball statistics show Fiandaca leading nationally in Division III for ground balls per game at an average of six.

Defensively, Fiandaca's performance stands out as she leads her team with 31 caused turnovers and holds the second-best average in Division III for forced errors per game at an average of 6.20. Newton and Ayres have each contributed to their team's defensive efforts by causing eleven turnovers apiece.

Goalkeeper Rymarcsuk has posted a .418 save percentage over her time guarding the net this season and enters the weekend match against McDaniel College boasting an overall record of three wins to two losses.

This upcoming contest marks the first-ever meeting between Illinois Wesleyan University and McDaniel College in women's lacrosse history. McDaniel heads into Sunday's game after suffering a narrow defeat to Juniata College earlier this week on Wednesday, March 5.

Fans can watch live coverage provided by McDaniel or follow along through live stats online.