BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team kicks off its 2021 season with a non-conference game against DePauw University at Tucci Stadium this Saturday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. 
 
Due to state and local restrictions, as well as campus visitor policies, no spectators will be permitted at any Illinois Wesleyan University sporting events at this time under the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin spectator policy. All CCIW members are fully focused on maintaining the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and campus communities. 
 
Head coach Zach Iannucci enters his eighth season with IWU along with an abundance of strong returnees and a large incoming class. The Green and White return to play after a shortened seven-game 2020 season due to COVID-19. The Titans put together five wins and two losses before the season got cut short last March.
 
This will be the fifth time IWU and DU will compete against one another. A matchup between IWU and DePauw was up next for the 2020 schedule before it was canceled on March 19, 2020. The last time these two teams saw each other was March 20, 2019 with the Titans claiming victory, 22-15. 
 
IWU welcomes back Frankfort, Ill. native, Rick Smith (Frankfort, Ill. - Lincoln Way East) who led the Titans with 24 goals racking up a total of 36 points a year ago. Following right behind in goals and returning for the Titans are the Kiichle brothers, Carson Kiichle (Vancouver, Wash.-Skyview) and Connor Kiichle (Vancouver, Wash.-Skyview), who put up 18 goals each for the Green and White in their rookie seasons. In addition, Carson tallied 10 assists and Connor 16 to up their point totals to 28 and 34, respectively.
 
Also coming back for IWU is face-off specialist and senior Max Bousky (Peoria, Ill.-Peoria Notre Dame) who won 70 percent face off average last season. Bousky outpowered his competition taking 109 out of 156 total faceoffs. Junior Daniel Dickerson (Wheaton, Ill.-St. Francis College Prep) led the Titans with a total of nine caused turnovers and sophomore Blake Muschewske (Exelsior, Minn.-Holy Family Catholic) followed close behind with a total of seven caused turnovers. 
 
Between the posts IWU returns senior Will Harris (Bloomington, Minn.-Holy Angels) who appeared and started in all seven regular season matchups in 2020. 
 
With plenty of upperclassmen to lead the way, the Titans welcome 16 newcomers including Titan Fall Lacrosse League Newcomers of the Year, Bob Boone (Los Angeles, Calif.-Notre Dame) and Michael Campagna (Arlington Heights, Ill.-St. Viator ) along with junior transfer Griffin DeMilt (Toledo, Ohio.-Ottawa Hills).
 
The event will be live streamed here. Make sure to follow along with IWU Athletics on Twitter and Instagram at @iwusports.