DUBUQUE, Iowa - Saturday afternoon, the University of Dubuque Spartans set host to another non-conference opponent as they faced off against Illinois Wesleyan University Titans, a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). The Spartans used to be a part of the CCIW before they transitioned to the Midwest Lacrosse Conference last year. Early on the Spartans battled with Illinois Wesleyan before the Titans scored 10 unanswered goals as the Spartans were defeated 17-5.
Illinois Wesleyan started the game off with a bang as they won the opening faceoff and scored within the first six seconds of the game. A few minutes later the Spartans were able to respond as they evened the game at 1-1 thanks to a goal from
Nikolas Wortman assisted by
Tyler Johnson. Both teams fought hard defensively as neither team saw a goal for over six minutes of play. Eventually, the Titans broke the drought as they scored with 5:12 remaining in the first quarter to go up 2-1. On the ensuing possession
Aidan Culligan knotted the game backup at 2-2 off an assist from
Tyler Johnson. The Titans were able to find the back of the net three more times as they led 5-2 at the end of the first.
The second quarter was controlled by the Titans as they outscored the Spartans 5-0. Entering halftime the Spartans trailed 10-2. Halfway through the third quarter,
Christian Melton found the back of the net as he scored the Spartans only goal of the quarter. In the final quarter of play, the Spartans continued to fight as they outscored the Titans 2-1.
Ryan Doyle and
Kyle Hephner each netted a goal.
The Spartans had five different players find the back of the net in today's game.
Tyler Johnson was responsible for both of the assists for the Spartans. Overall the Titans got off 63 shots while the Spartans had 23.
George Smirl was in goal for the Spartans and recorded 20 saves in the loss.
The Spartans now sit with an overall record of 3-5.
Up Next
The Spartans will continue their three game home stand as they face North Central College on Wednesday, March 29. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.
