McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team secured a vital win against Carthage College at Tucci Stadium on Saturday afternoon, April 12. The Titans emerged victorious with an 11-9 scoreline in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) matchup. With this win, Illinois Wesleyan improved its record to 10-2 overall and 2-0 in the CCIW, while Carthage dropped to 9-4 overall and 0-2 in the conference.

The game featured two of the top-scoring offenses in the conference, resulting in a competitive 60 minutes on the field. Illinois Wesleyan edged out Carthage with a narrow advantage in shots, ending the game with 43 to Carthage's 42. The Titans also led in saves, with 13 compared to the Firebirds' 10, and caused turnovers, tallying 10 to Carthage's 5. Meanwhile, the Firebirds had more shots on goal with 22 to Illinois Wesleyan's 21, a better clearing performance with 20 to 17, and won more faceoffs, with 13 to 11.

Sam Weinberg, a senior, and Timothy McHugh, a sophomore, were standout players for the Titans, each contributing five points. Weinberg scored four goals and provided an assist, while McHugh assisted in all five of his points, recorded two scoops, and caused a turnover. Fifth-year players Ike Eastburn and Gage Black added to the scoreboard with four and two goals, respectively. Junior Billy McHugh scored another goal for IWU.

Nick Schroeder, a senior, won 11 of the 22 faceoffs and collected six ground balls along with causing a turnover. Karsten Nordlie, a junior, also played a pivotal role by tying for the second-most ground balls at five and leading the team with two caused turnovers. Senior Colin Tervo made critical saves during the match, totaling 13 saves for the team.

Carthage initially took control with a 3-0 lead in the first quarter, but Illinois Wesleyan found their rhythm in the second quarter. Timothy McHugh's passes to Eastburn ignited the scoring for the Titans. The Titans steadily worked their way to a 5-4 lead by halftime.

After an early score by Carthage in the second half, Black's unassisted goal reclaimed the lead for IWU, which Carthage countered with a three-goal run. However, the Titans regained their momentum with goals from Weinberg, triggered by McHugh's assists. A final push in the last period, highlighted by a crucial restart and strong collaboration between Schroeder, Weinberg, and Eastburn, sealed the game for the Titans at 11-9.

The win positions Illinois Wesleyan strongly as they prepare to face Elmhurst University on the road Saturday, April 12. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Langhorst Field.