Men’s lacrosse team upends Illinois Wesleyan, 11-9

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Sophomore James Collins (Lowell) scored five goals to lead the Olivet College men's lacrosse team to an 11-9 win over previously unbeaten Illinois Wesleyan University this afternoon at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington, Ill. With the win, Olivet ends its non-conference schedule with a 6-4 record. Illinois Wesleyan slips to 6-1 with the loss.

Sophomore Cameron Bazin (Troy/Athens) and freshman Logan Krieger (Traverse City/Central) each scored two goals, while sophomore Dakota Badder (Troy/Athens) and freshman Nino Minaudo (Rochester Hills/Stoney Creek) had one goal apiece. Badder and freshman Mike Angeli (Rochester/Stoney Creek) each finished with three assists. Junior Ryan McGee (Traverse City/Central) made 10 saves in goal.

The Titans scored the first goal of the game before Olivet answered with a pair of goals to take a 2-1 lead. Illinois Wesleyan tied the game but Badder responded for the Comets just 63 seconds with an unassisted tally to put them back up by a goal, 3-2. The Titans took advantage of an Olivet penalty to tie the game at 3-3 in the final minute of the first quarter.

Illinois Wesleyan then scored the first two goals of the second stanza for a 5-3 lead. Collins tallied two of his goals late in the first half to make the score 5-5 at halftime.

Bazin scored the only goal of the third period, and the Comets led 6-5 entering the final period. The Titans caused one more deadlock, 6-6, one minute and one second into the fourth quarter. Olivet then went on a 4-0 scoring run to gain a 10-6 lead. That run ended up being the difference in the game, as Illinois Wesleyan scored three of the final goals of the game.

Olivet now opens Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Tuesday with a 7 p.m. game at Trine (Ind.) University.
March 29, 2014