Men’s Lacrosse Edges Elmhurst – Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics

ELMHURST, Ill. – After a lengthy rain delay, the Illinois Wesleyan University men’s lacrosse team defeated Elmhurst University, 18-15, Saturday, April 15. The Titans extend their win streak to six and remain unbeaten in College Conference of Illinois Wisconsin play with the win, as their record moves to 9-3 overall, 3-0 in conference. The loss drops Elmhurst to 9-4 overall, 1-3 in CCIW action.

Offensively, seniors Carson Kiichle (Vancouver, Wash.-Skyview) and Connor Kiichle (Vancouver, Wash.-Skyview) each finished with a team-high six points. Carson Kiichle notched four goals and two assists, while Connor Kiichle posted three goals and three assists. Junior Bob Boone (Los Angeles, Calif.-Notre Dame) matched a career-best five points on three goals and two assists. Junior Ike Eastburn (Colorado Springs, Ill.-Cheyenne Mountain) also finished with a hat trick for the Green and White.

Defensively, junior Zo Lombardo (Elgin, Ill.-Saint Viator) collected a team-high six ground balls, while sophomore Nick Schroeder (Waunakee, Ill.-Waunakee) scooped up five. 

At the x, the Titans went an even .500, as Lombardo was 10-for-20, while Schroeder went 8-for-16. 

Sophomore Colin Tervo (West Linn, Ore.-West Linn) recorded five saves while allowing seven goals in the first half, while junior Alex Oximana (Seattle, Wash.-Bishop Blanchet) collected 11 saves while allowing eight goals in the second half. 

With a 12-12 tie, the game was put into a lengthy rain delay, at the 14:30 mark in the fourth period. The Titans used the break to their advantage, as Boone quickly scored a goal to put IWU back up in front, 13:50 remaining in the match. After a faceoff win by Lombardo, Connor Kiichle extended the lead to two at the 13:23 mark.

Elmhurst would cut the lead to one, but a goal by sophomore Jake Gisi (Wentzville, Mo.-Chaminade College Prep) and Carson Kiichle pushed the score up to 16-13 with 8:42 remaining. 

The Bluejays brought the score to within two with a goal at the 5:29 mark, but the Titans once again answered with back-to-back scores, as junior Trystan Seeley (Castle Rock, Colo.-Castle View) and Connor Kiichle buried shots to put the game out of reach. Elmhurst would net the last goal of the match, but the Titans would run away with an 18-15 victory. 

Illinois Wesleyan hosts Transylvania University for its next contest, Saturday, April 22, at 12 p.m.