SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- The Illinois Wesleyan women's lacrosse team was victorious in their season opener on Saturday, February 24 with a 15-10 victory over the Wittenberg University Tigers. Junior Grainne Kelly led the team with five goals and two assists for a total of seven points. Kelly was 2-for-2 on free position shots and won three draw controls.

With a win the Titans open their season with a 1-0 record for the third time in the four year history. Wittenberg, in their season opener, fell to 0-1.

Strong play in goal by freshman Janaye Godfrey helped to give IWU the win despite Wittenberg leading the Titans in total shots, 31-27, and shots on goal, 25-21. IWU saw more success on ground balls holding a 16-12 advantage and draw controls were nearly even with Illinois Wesleyan edging the Tigers out 14-13.

Freshman Riley Rooney finished with the second-most goals on the team with four and was matched in total points by junior Sam Bidlack who tallied two goals and two assists. Senior Abby Kushina, junior Dani Engelbreit, and freshman Maggie Torres each added one goal apiece for the Titans. Senior Mariah Smith led the team in ground balls with four while causing two turnovers and winning six draw controls. Engelbreit matched Smith for the team-best in caused turnovers with two.

In goal, Godfrey made 15 saves on 25 shots on goal faced and collected three ground balls to earn the victory in her first collegiate match.

Wittenberg got out to a swift 2-0 lead over IWU converting on two free-position shots in the first seven minutes of action. Back-to-back combos from Rooney and Kelly tied the game up for the Titans however, and an Engelbreit goal in the 20th minute of action provided IWU with the lone lead change of the day. Illinois Wesleyan took advantage of three Tiger penalties in the first, scoring three man-up goals.

Clinging to a 9-7 lead at halftime, the Titans scored five of the first seven goals of the second half to build a comfortable 14-9 lead. Kelly scored three of her five goals in the second half to pace the offense.

Emily Wadds scored four goals for Wittenberg and was matched in points by Victoria Zysik who added three goals and one assist. Gabby Zysik caused a team-high three turnovers for the Tigers. In goal, Mary Alyce Furlong made just six saves on 21 shots on goal.

What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan will play their first home game of the season from Tucci Stadium at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28. The Titans will face Monmouth College who, in their second season as a program, will take on Westminster College (Mo.) in their season opener on Feb. 25.