The Illinois Wesleyan University men’s lacrosse team will host Carthage College for a Senior Day game on April 18, according to an announcement released April 16. The Titans, with a season record of 9-2 and undefeated in conference play, will face the Firebirds at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington as part of a doubleheader that also features the women’s lacrosse team.
The event will recognize ten senior players who have contributed to three regular season and tournament championships, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and an overall record of 52-15 during their time with the program. The team is based in Bloomington and competes at the NCAA Division III level as a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, according to the official website.
Illinois Wesleyan enters Saturday’s match after a decisive win over Carroll University. Juniors Timothy McHugh and Nate Pound each recorded eight points in that game. Pound was named CCIW Offensive Player of the Week following his career-high performance. Freshman Ben Marban tied for most goals scored with four, while sophomore Jaymeson Zackery earned his first career goal and led with six saves.
On offense this season, McHugh leads with 50 points from 24 goals and 26 assists. Pound follows closely behind with 25 points. In terms of ground balls recovered, Zackery leads the squad followed by seniors Karsten Nordlie and Michael Rocco. Rocco also leads faceoff wins this year.
Defensively, Illinois Wesleyan ranks second nationally in caused turnovers per game at an average of more than fifteen per contest. Billy McHugh tops this category individually among teammates. In goalkeeping duties so far this season, Zackery has played more than eleven hours across games and has made over one hundred thirty saves.
Saturday’s matchup marks the seventeenth meeting between these teams; Illinois Wesleyan holds an eleven-game winning streak against Carthage including last year’s victory by two goals aided by strong performances from both returning players and coaching staff members now serving as assistants.
