ALMA, Mich. -- The Illinois Wesleyan men's lacrosse team opened their 2018 season on Saturday, Feb. 17 with a decisive 29-12 victory over Alma College at Bahlke Field. Senior James Maibuecher led the way offensively with a game-high six goals in addition to three assists which ranked second on the team.

With a win the Titans start the season 1-0 for the first time since their inaugural season in 2014. Alma, also in their season opener, fell to 0-1 on the season following a loss.

Led by junior J.C. Grabarek, the Titans won 35-of-45 total face-off's with Grabarek finishing the day 22-of-25. Freshman Max Bousky also saw time on the face-off winning 13-of-20 attempts. Grabarek also led the charge in ground balls, picking up a game-high 17 to help give the Titans a 51-28 advantage for the game. Illinois Wesleyan saw success on clearances, clearing the ball out of their side of the field on 19-of-22 attempts. Defensively, IWU held the Scots to 20-of-35 on clearances. Despite a 29-12 victory, the Titans converted on just 1-of-6 man-up opportunities during the contest.

Behind Maibuecher's six goals was freshman Tanner Nelson who contributed five goals in his first regular season game as a Titan. Each of senior Nick Winter, junior Bailey Marth, junior Will Rossi, and sophomore Wil Laidlaw finished with three goals. In addition to his prowess on the face-off, Grabarek added two goals for the Titans. Sophomore's Alex Doorenbos, Evan Anderson, and Christian Torres, and freshman Jesse Prettner each finished with one goal scored. Marth was the team-leader in assists with five with Rossi and Winter adding two apiece. Caleb Green, Benigno Houser, Morgan Riley, Torres, Doorenbos, Nelson, and Grabarek each added a lone assist.

Bousky added six ground balls followed by Winter with five and junior Zack Ladd with four. Ladd and freshman Jaren Vance led the team in caused turnovers with three each.

Sophomore Benigno Houser started in goal for IWU and made eight saves of 16 shots faced while allowing eight goals. Freshman Will Harris played the final 20 minutes in goal making two saves and allowing four goals.

Despite conceding the first goal of the game, Illinois Wesleyan went on a 9-1 run to close the first quarter of play. The Titans momentum continued into the second quarter where they outscored Alma 10-3 to take a commanding 19-6 lead into halftime. Things slowed down considerably in the second half with Illinois Wesleyan holding just a 10-6 scoring advantage over the Scots in the final two quarters of play.

Alma was led on offense by Chase Hunyadi who contributed three goals and four assists for the Scots. Tom Needham won 5-of-11 face-off attempts and picked up a team-high six ground balls. Ben Luzar caused a game-high four turnovers. In goal, Hank Wickley was handed the loss after giving up 15 goals on 24 shot attempts in the first 23:29 of the game.

What's Next?
Following a week off, Illinois Wesleyan will open at home at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25 against Wittenberg University. Wittenberg opened their season with an 8-5 victory over Transylvania on Feb. 10. and will play CCIW member Elmhurst College prior to facing off with the Titans. This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides.