McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team began their College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin play with a victory against Augustana College, scoring 19-8 on Wednesday night, April 9. This result improved the Titans' season record to 6-6 and 1-0 in CCIW play, while Augustana's record fell to 4-7 and 0-1 within the league.

Freshman Maddie Gibson led Illinois Wesleyan with a standout performance, accumulating a career-best six points, including four goals and two assists. Senior Mia Fiandaca contributed five points through five goals, while Junior Sadie Newton added four goals to the team's tally.

Both Newton and Senior Avery Setzler excelled in ground ball retrieval, each securing five, complemented by Fiandaca's three. Newton matched her personal best with four caused turnovers, supported by Fiandaca who registered three.

Fiandaca and Junior Sarah Riepe each recorded four draw controls to lead the Titans in this area, while Newton added three. In goal, Senior Lizzie Rymarcsuk took the win, achieving nine saves and allowing three goals over 45 minutes of play. Freshman Marli Brown completed the last 15 minutes in net.

Statistically, Illinois Wesleyan held advantages across several categories including total shots (38-25), shots on goal (26-15), saves (9-8), and ground balls (26-22), also forcing more turnovers with a margin of 23-16. Augustana, however, led in draw controls, finishing with 16 to IWU's 13. Both teams showed proficiency in clear attempts, with IWU completing 22 out of 25 and Augustana finishing 14 out of 18 attempts.

The game commenced with a turnover caused by Junior Anelise DiGiovanni, allowing Gibson to score the first goal early in the opening quarter. Rymarcsuk preserved the Titans' early lead with a critical save, after which Gibson assisted Junior Carleigh Fountain for an additional tally. Gibson added another goal to elevate IWU to a 3-0 lead soon thereafter.

As the first period concluded, IWU led 7-0, bolstered by goals from Fiandaca, Newton, and passes resulting in further scores. The Titans maintained momentum into the second quarter, extending their lead to 10-0. Fiandaca's scoring run culminated in a hat trick within the quarter.

Despite Augustana scoring initially in the second half, Illinois Wesleyan finished strong, closing the third period leading 16-3, benefitting from unassisted goals by Gibson, Newton, and Riepe, and an assisted goal by Sophie Shore from Setzler.

Finally, the Titans sustained their performance through the fourth quarter to secure the 19-8 victory. Upcoming, Illinois Wesleyan will continue their conference series on the road, taking on Carroll University at Schneider Stadium on Saturday, April 12.