BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- A mid-game offensive surge by Aurora helped send the Illinois Wesleyan men's lacrosse team to a 20-14 setback in the Titans' season-opener at Tucci Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 20.

IWU is 0-1 and Aurora improved to 2-0.

Illinois Wesleyan led by a 6-2 score with 13:08 to play in the second quarter before Aurora went on a 12-1 run to claim a 14-7 advantage with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter. Aurora had 53 total shots and 35 shots on goal compared to 51 shots and 23 shots on goal for the Titans.

IWU got four goals from Tim Smith while Nick Winter and Michael Julius each scored three. Will Rossi, Jacob Perry, James Maibuecher, and Evan Mok-Lamme each tallied one goal for Illinois Wesleyan.

Jason Koziol scored eight goals for Aurora and Trevor McNamara added six goals and both had two assists. The Spartans held a 37-35 edge in ground balls and won 21 faceoffs compared to 17 for IWU. Steven Laduzinsky made 15 saves for Illinois Wesleyan while two Aurora goalkeepers combined for nine saves.

What's Next?
With their first four games at home, Illinois Wesleyan returns to action next Sunday, Feb. 28, with a 12 p.m. match against Hendrix College at Tucci Stadium.