GRANVILLE, Ohio – The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team fell to Denison University in double overtime on Wednesday, March 14, losing by a final score of 13-12. IWU nearly came away with a victory in the second overtime period, but a goal scored by Claudia Richman was waived off due to a stick infraction. Junior's Grainne Kelly and Dani Engelbreit led the team in scoring with three goals and one assist each.
 
With a loss, the Titans fall to 4-4 on the season while Denison improves to 3-1.

Illinois Wesleyan was out-shot 29-16 overall and 21-15 in shots on goal. Denison held the advantage in clear attempts converting on 21-of-23 chances as opposed to 16-of-26 for the Titans. IWU was successful in winning the draw control holding an 18-10 advantage over the Big Red. Senior Mariah Smith earned a game-high eight draw controls with Engelbreit winning six.

Also scoring for the Titans were freshman Riley Rooney (2), senior Sydney Allen (1), senior Abby Kushina (1), Smith (1), and junior Claudia Richman (1). Assisting on Titan goals were junior Sam Bidlack (1), Smith (1), Rooney (1), Engelbeit (1), and Kelly (1). Engelbreit led the team in ground balls with four and caused a team-high four turnovers on defense. Kelly and Smith each caused two turnovers.

In goal, senior Claire Quist was the goalkeeper of record after allowing the game-winning goal. Freshman Janaye Godfrey also saw action in goal making her seventh start of the season.

In an evenly matched contest, neither team led by more than three goals at any point. Denison took an early 5-2 lead over IWU and the Titans held an 11-8 advantage over the Big Red midway through the second half.

Illinois Wesleyan was seemingly en route to victory following a Kelly goal with 2:45 remaining, but Denison's Leah Israel found the back of the net as time expired to send the game into overtime. Neither offense found much success in the first overtime, but it was Quist who made a great save on a shot by Claudia Rafi in the first overtime period to preserve the tie.

Richman scored what appeared to be the game-winning goal for the Titans in the opening seconds of the second overtime period, but a stick infraction waived off the goal and gave Denison new life. A Titan foul with 3:08 remaining in the period provided the Big Red with a free-position opportunity which they slotted home for the win.

Israel was the leading scorer for the Big Red with five goals and two assists. Jane Godspeed led the team with nine ground balls, six draw controls, and six caused turnovers. Goalkeepers Becca Jones and Hannah Magarian each allowed six goals and made a total of three saves.
 
What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan will have a week off game action before taking on Saint Mary's College (Ind.) at 6 p.m. CT on Wednesday, March 21. Saint Mary's is currently 3-0 on the season, but will face Linfield College prior to their game against the Titans. Kate Kelly, sister of Grainne Kelly, is a member of the Saint Mary's women's lacrosse team.