McLean County Times

Playing their first game in over a week, the Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team is set to open their College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin season at Augustana College. This matchup is scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 9 at Thorson-Lucken Field.

The Titans, presently with a record of 5-6, are coming off a defeat against The College of Wooster, with a score of 20-8 on March 29. Freshman Maddie Gibson and junior Anelise DiGiovanni were key players, each achieving four points—a career high for both. Gibson scored four goals, with DiGiovanni contributing two goals and two assists. Senior Mia Fiandaca and junior Sarah Riepe each led with three caused turnovers, and in the goal, senior Lizzie Rymarcsuk made 13 saves, securing five ground balls.

Senior Avery Setzler currently leads Illinois Wesleyan with 24 points, tied with Fiandaca for the team-high of 17 goals. Junior Sadie Newton follows closely with 22 points. DiGiovanni leads in assists with nine, while Newton and Carleigh Fountain are tied for second with eight.

Newton also leads the team with 45 draw controls, and the team excels nationally, ranking 20th in caused turnovers per game with an average of 13.73. Fiandaca alone has contributed 34 caused turnovers in six games. Rymarcsuk, with 567:15 minutes in goal, has 97 saves and a save percentage of .458.

This encounter marks the 12th meeting between IWU and Augustana, with Illinois Wesleyan leading the series 7-4, including winning the last seven consecutive games. In their most recent game against Augustana on April 27, 2024, IWU achieved a comprehensive 22-2 victory.

Both a live stream and live statistics of the game will be available for fans.