BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Illinois Wesleyan junior James Maibuecher had a career-high seven goals and sophomore J.C. Grabarek won a school-record 23 faceoffs as the Titans scored a 28-8 win over the University of Dubuque to open the conference season on Wednesday, March 22, at IWU's Tucci Stadium.

Illinois Wesleyan improved to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin while Dubuque slipped to 3-4 overall and 0-2 in the CCIW.

The Titans fired off 76 shots in the game, a total that is third most in a single IWU game behind the 96 against Adrian College (March 12, 2016) and the 79 against Hope College (March 5, 2016). The 28 goals is tied for second most an an IWU contest, behind the 29 scored against Adrian (March 12, 2016) and tied with the 28 scored at Centenary (March 10, 2014). The 47 points is second most to the 48 against Adrian College (March 12, 2016).

In addition to Maibuecher, senior Michael Julius had five goals with four assists and senior Tim Smith made four goals with one assist. Maibuecher added three assists and the 10 points is tied for second most in an IWU game, behind the 11 scored by Smith against Hope in 2016.

Illinois Wesleyan won 33 of the 40 face-off opportunities with Grabarek being successful on 23 (of 26).

Illinois Wesleyan had only 18 turnovers compared to 27 for the Spartans and IWU had 60 ground balls to 19 for Dubuque.

Senior Steven Laduzinsky made five saves in 34:49 in the net and freshman Benigno Houser had three saves in 25:11.

What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan continues CCIW play with a road game at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis., at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25. The Pioneers, who open their CCIW slate vs. IWU Saturday, are 3-6 overall after a 21-0 loss to Milwaukee School of Engineering on Wednesday.