WHITTIER, Calif. (March 4-5, 2023) – The Whittier College men's lacrosse team split two games in Illinois over the weekend, falling in overtime in Game One and winning Game Two in blowout fashion, 18-9.

March 4 at Illinois Wesleyan

On Saturday, March 4, the Poets lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the Illinois Wesleyan Titans.

The Poets jumped out to an early 6–3 lead over the Titans after a solid first quarter. Senior attacker Alex Coco and sophomore attacker Owen Wallace each scored twice in the quarter. Sophomore midfielder Kalwin Iha and sophomore midfielder Luke McElligott scored once in the quarter.

While the Poets scored four more goals in the quarter, the Titans matched the Poets with goals in the period. Wallace and Iha scored again in the second, while senior attacker Mason Leet scored twice to push the Poets' total on the day to 10. Leet scored a team-high-tying four goals in the game. Wallace also scored four in the game.

Coming out of the half up 10–7, the Titans outscored the Poets in the quarter, tallying three goals to the Poets' two. Leet and Wallace both scored again; however, the Poets went into the fourth quarter only up one.

While the Poets scored three goals in the fourth quarter, it was not enough to close out the game. The Titans scored four times, with the tying goal happening with nine seconds remaining in regulation. 

Once in overtime, a tight defensive affair ensued; however, the Titans would score with 2:58 remaining in overtime, closing out an exciting contest.

Senior attacker Connor Hoemann led Whittier in assists with four.

March 5 at Augustana

The Poets dismantled the Augustana Vikings, 18-9, on Sunday, getting four goals apiece from Coco, Iha and Leet.

The Poets would outscore the Vikings in all but one quarter, the fourth when they scored an even four goals.

Whittier also had more opportunities with the ball, generating 57 shots, while the Vikings only had 35, thanks in part to a strong showing from the defense.

McElligott continued his strong road trip, tallying two goals on the day. Hoemann also provided a strong offensive performance for the Poets, earning three goals himself.

Coco had three assists for a game-high seven points, and Leet contributed two helpers himself. Wallace also had a pair of assists.

Sophomore goalie Jayden Warlum picked up his first win of the season, finishing with nine saves in three quarters before giving way to freshman Ryan Rosselli.

The Poets next travel to North Central to take on the Cardinals as they conclude their road trip on Tuesday, March 7, in Naperville, IL.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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