McLean County Times

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team faced a challenging matchup against The College of Wooster on Saturday, March 29, falling 20-8 at Tucci Stadium. Despite the rainy conditions in the second half, this game marks a setback for IWU, who now holds a 5-6 record. Meanwhile, the Fighting Scots advance to 9-1.

Freshman Maddie Gibson from Fenton, Mo., achieved her first collegiate hat trick, ending the day with four goals. Junior Anelise DiGiovanni of Lockport, Ill., also had a noteworthy performance with two goals and two assists. Junior Carleigh Fountain of Orland Park, Ill., contributed significantly with two assists.

On the defensive side, junior Sarah Riepe of Aurora, Ill., matched her career-best with three draw controls and contributed three ground balls. Goalkeeper senior Lizzie Rymarcsuk from Lake Zurich, Ill., made 13 saves during her time on the field, despite being credited with the loss.

Rymarcsuk's save set the scene for Gibson's free-position goal, reducing the deficit. As Wooster's defense made a significant scoreline of 12-1, the Titans promptly responded with consecutive goals. The first quarter ended with Wooster leading 8-1, while the halftime score was 13-3.

The third period began with Illinois Wesleyan making a determined push. Sophomore Sophie Shore secured a ground ball, and this fueled the offense, allowing Fountain to assist DiGiovanni for one of her goals. Wooster maintained their lead, closing the period at 16-5.

In the final quarter, the Titans' Gibson and DiGiovanni added two more goals, though Wooster ultimately secured a 20-8 victory. Illinois Wesleyan's next game will be against Augustana College on Wednesday, April 9, at Thorson-Lucken Field at 6 p.m.