McLean County Times

Beginning the day by highlighting their senior class, the Illinois Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team claimed a decisive victory over Carroll University. The 26-7 win at Tucci Stadium solidified the Titans' status as the outright College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Regular Season Champions. With this win, Illinois Wesleyan achieved a clean sweep of the regular season league slate for the seventh consecutive time. The Titans now hold an impressive 12-2 overall record, including 4-0 in league play. Conversely, Carroll University fell to 5-9 overall and remained winless in CCIW contests with a 0-4 record.

The Saturday match began with a ceremony honoring Illinois Wesleyan's senior players. The recognition included seniors Colin Tervo, John Kittoe, Sam Weinberg, Nick Schroeder, Sam Skelton, Nick Horrocks, Bobby Conroy, Jake Gisi, Tyler Crawford, and fifth-year players Gage Black, Zo Lombardo, Bob Boone, and Ike Eastburn. Sophomore Timothy McHugh was a standout player, contributing significantly with six points comprised of four assists and two goals. Eastburn, a senior, led the team with five goals, while Weinberg and Jarrett Brunson each added four points to the scoreboard. Notably, Brunson netted all four of his points through goals, marking career highs in both categories.

Defensively, Conroy excelled by causing three turnovers, achieving a personal best. Freshmen Wyatt Hart and David Ho also contributed with two forced turnovers each. In faceoffs, Schroeder shone with a 10-for-11 record, securing six ground balls. Other notable players in the faceoff circle included Lombardo, Michael Rocco, Jake Sline, and Matt Arnold, who all delivered solid performances.

The Titans' goalkeepers also played crucial roles, with Tervo starting the game and achieving the win with three saves. He was followed by junior Sam Scott, freshman Jaymeson Zackery, and freshman A.J. Ellis, each stepping in at different quarters and making notable saves.

Throughout the game, the Titans maintained a strong offensive front, quickly pulling ahead with two goals by Eastburn. Boone and McHugh assisted in building the early lead, and timely contributions from various team members maintained the Titans' advantage. By halftime, Illinois Wesleyan was leading 15-4 and finished with a decisive 26-7 victory.

This win secures Illinois Wesleyan's seventh consecutive CCIW Regular Season Championship, marking the eighth in the program's history. Looking forward to the league tournament, the Titans hold the No. 1 seed and are set to host North Central College on April 30 at Tucci Stadium.