BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- The Illinois the Wesleyan women's lacrosse team scored seven goals in each half and held visiting Benedictine to only two second half goals to win their home opener by a score of 14-8 at Tucci Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 27.

IWU is now 2-0 to start the season while the Eagles dropped their season opener to fall to 0-1.

A back and forth first half saw neither team open up a lead larger than two goals, as the Titans scored five of the last seven goals to close out the half and take a 7-6 lead. After the Eagles tied the score at 7-7 with 24:57 remaining in the game, IWU netted two goals in a two minute span to reclaim the lead. Benedictine would once again close the gap with an unassisted goal at the 17:33 mark before the Titans scored the final five goals of the game and beat the Eagles for the second time in as many seasons.

Sophomores Clarke Rich and Abby Kushina led Illinois Wesleyan with three goals each, while freshman Dani Engelbreit, junior Maggie Krause and sophomore Sophia Sodolski each netted two goals. Krause would also record a team-high three assists and three ground balls.

Sophomore Claire Quist went the distance at goalie for Illinois Wesleyan, making five saves while allowing eight goals to pick up her first victory of the season.

The Titans held a 31-16 advantage in shots as well as a 14-10 advantage in draw controls. Illinois Wesleyan was successful on 13 of 16 clear attempts while Benedictine was 12 of 14 on their attempts.

What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan will play their second home game of the season on Wednesday, March 2 when the Titans play host to DePauw at 7 p.m. at Tucci Stadium.