Men’s lacrosse team loses to Illinois Wesleyan, 17-9

NORMAL, Ill. – The Olivet College men's lacrosse team was tied with Illinois Wesleyan University at halftime before the Titans pulled away in the second half for a 17-9 win over the Comets today at Tucci Stadium in Normal, Illinois.

Illinois Wesleyan scored the first goal one minute into the contest. Olivet answered 54 seconds later on an unassisted goal by senior Dakota Badder. That goal started a 4-0 run for the Comets, as Badder scored another goal, and junior Nino Minaudo and junior Logan Krieger each scored once.

The Titans netted the final goal of the quarter to make the score 4-2. Illinois Wesleyan opened the second quarter with four consecutive goals to go up 6-4. OIivet scored the final two goals of the period to tie the game at 6-6. Senior Jack Ranson found the back of the cage for his first goal of the season and freshman Bryce Drew tied the game with his seventh goal of the season.

The Comets went ahead, 7-6, when Krieger scored the first goal of the second half. The Titans quickly tied the game only 11 seconds later, igniting a 7-0 run. Illinois Wesleyan went ahead on a goal at the 10:10 mark of the third quarter and never trailed for the rest of the game.

Minaudo finished the game with a team-best four points (three goals and one assist) and seven shots, while Badder had three points (two goals and one assist). Ranson recorded two points (one goal and one assist). Badder and junior Tyler Polendo were each credited with five shots. Senior Ryan McGee was in the cage for the entire game and broke the single-game school record with 29 saves.

The Comets will wrap-up their non-conference next Saturday with a home game against Muskingum (Ohio) University. Opening face-off at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet is set for 1 p.m.