BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- The Illinois Wesleyan men's lacrosse team defeated Alma College by a final score of 27-12 on Saturday, April 1. Pacing the offense was junior James Maibuecher who tallied six goals and one assist during the contest.

With a win the Titans improved their overall season record to 8-2 while Alma was handed their third loss of the season, falling to 6-3.

The first half was closely contested on Saturday, with the Titans holding a narrow 10-7 advantage at halftime. Alma played IWU especially close in the second quarter as the teams each scored five goals apiece. Illinois Wesleyan looked like a different team in the second half, outscoring the Scots 17-5 en route to the victory.

Junior Nick Winter added two goals and two assists in the first half. Also with multiple goals for IWU were senior Jacob Perry (3), sophomore Zack Ladd (2), senior Tim Smith (2), sophomore Will Rossi (2) and senior Evan Mok-Lamme (2). Senior Michael Julius led the team with four assists and was closely followed by Rossi who added three.

Sophomore J.C. Grabarek was a force to be reckoned with winning 30-of-33 face-off attempts he participated in. Grabarek lost just a lone face-off in the first half holding the Scot to a 1-of-18 performance. Grabarek, who entered into today's action ranked third in NCAA Division III for ground balls per game, recorded 21 on the day. The sophomore added a goal and two assists on the offensive side of the things.

In goal for the Titans, senior Steven Laduzinsky earned the win making seven saves. Freshman Benigno Houser was a late-game replacement and made two saves in goal.

What's Next?
IWU has a week off of games before traveling to Kenosha, Wis. to face College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) opponent Carthage College. The game is set to start at 1 p.m. on April 8, from Art Keller field. Carthage currently holds a record of 8-3.