BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team held off a comeback effort from Calvin University Wednesday night, March 20, at Tucci Stadium to record the program's 100th victory. IWU pushed its win streak to four with the 14-12 victory to improve to 5-2 overall, while Calvin stumbled to 3-6.

The Green and White held an 8-5 lead at halftime, but the Knights clawed back with three unanswered goals to level the score at 11 with 5:47 to play. 

After an IWU turnover in the attacking end, senior Britney Maldonado (Hoffman Estates, Ill.-James B. Conant) stripped the ensuing clear attempt. The reigning College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Offensive Player of the Week, quickly turned and dodged a defender before firing a shot into the back of the net. The goal propelled Illinois Wesleyan ahead, 12-11, with just over three minutes left on the clock.

The back-and-forth affair continued as the game appeared to be destined for overtime tied at 12, but sophomore Devon Hanson (Waukesha, Wis.-Waukesha West) had other plans as she bulldozed her way towards goal for the score. Hanson's tally put IWU in front 13-12 with 1:21 to play.

Junior Avery Setzler (Bloomington, Ill.-Bloomington) corralled the ensuing draw control, setting the Green and White up for an insurance goal. Gaining possession on the far side of the goal, Maldonado put a move on her defender and took an open path to net for her fourth goal of the night, inching Illinois Wesleyan ahead, 14-12.

The score came with 58 seconds to play and was followed by another win at the draw as IWU all but sealed the win.

Junior Bri Kiser (Crown Point, Ind.-Crown Point) was tremendous in goal, notching 14 stops on a .538 save percentage. Her defensive performance was aided by a team-high five caused turnovers from Maldonado and four more from junior Mia Fiandaca (St. Charles, Ill.-St. Charles North). 

Fiandaca and Maldonado topped the Titans with four goals apiece, while Maldonado added team-highs of three assists and five ground balls. Setzler added two assists, while sophomore Carleigh Fountain (Orland Park, Ill.-Carl Sandburg) registered a hat trick. Hanson scored two goals on the night, including the game-winner, while sophomore Sadie Newton (Bloomington, Ill.-Normal Community) rounded out the scoring effort. 

At the draw, Fiandaca powered the Green and White with a team-high four draw controls. Hanson, Setzler, and sophomore Sarah Riepe (Aurora, Ill.-St. Francis) tallied two apiece.

The Titans look to continue their strong play Saturday, March 23, as the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse visits Tucci Stadium for a 1 p.m. non-conference tilt.