Chicago, Ill. — Despite jumping out to an early first-quarter lead in their home opener against Calvin University, Illinois Tech men's lacrosse couldn't hold off the Knights, who outscored the Scarlet Hawks 8-3 the rest of the way en route to their 8-5 victory Saturday afternoon at a frigid Stuart Field. Though the score wasn't in their favor, Illinois Tech's goalie, Ryan Littler, delivered a standout performance with 19 saves on 27 shots on goal, showcasing a resilient defense.

The Scarlet Hawks now hold a record of 0-3, while the Knights improved to 2-0.

How It Happened

Illinois Tech came out strong in the first quarter. Diego Sosa got the Scarlet Hawks on the board early with a goal at 11:18, assisted by Will Von Eyser. Connor Montgomery quickly followed up, extending the lead to 2-0 at 8:37. Calvin answered with a goal from Riley DeSarbo at 6:22, closing the gap to 2-1. The rest of the quarter saw both teams in a defensive standoff, with goalies Ryan Littler and Soren Thiemann making several key saves. Illinois Tech ended the first quarter holding a 2-1 lead.

In the second quarter, Calvin seized momentum with a strong offensive push. David Blackmon tied the game at 13:26, assisted by Anson Gorski. Braden Carpenter added another goal shortly after, with Colin TeBrake on the assist. Despite Illinois Tech's attempts, including a solid shot by Joseph Beaudoin that was saved, Calvin widened the gap with a goal from Braylon Moore at 3:33. The Scarlet Hawks couldn't find the net, finishing the quarter trailing 4-2.

Calvin struck early in the third quarter with Jordan Warners scoring at 13:25. Illinois Tech answered back as Von Eyser netted a goal at 10:37, assisted by Cooper Leonard. The Knights responded with a goal from TeBrake at 7:07. Sosa kept Illinois Tech in it with a goal at 3:44, again with an assist from Leonard. In the final minutes, Alexander Stokrp found the back of the net with Von Eyser's help at 1:09, closing the quarter at 6-5 in favor of Calvin.

In the fourth quarter, Calvin pulled away with two more goals. Gorski scored a man-up goal at 11:32, assisted by Warners, followed by Teddy Hollebeek capitalizing on another extra-man opportunity at 5:49, with Blackmon assisting. Despite several turnovers and failed clears challenging Illinois Tech, Littler's key saves kept them battling. However, the Scarlet Hawks couldn't bridge the gap, resulting in an 8-5 loss.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Diego Sosa
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- 2 goals
- 10 shots
- 6 shots on goal

Ryan Littler
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- 19 saves
- 8 goals against
- 56 shots faced

Will Von Eyser
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- 1 goal
- 2 assists
- 3 shots on goal

Calvin Standouts

Colin TeBrake
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- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 4 shots on goal
- 1 game-winning goal

David Blackmon
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- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 4 shots on goal

Nate Hanson
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- 11 faceoffs won

Soren Thiemann
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- 12 saves
- 5 goals against
- 23 shots faced

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech's all-time record against Calvin is now 1-3.
- The Scarlet Hawks achieved at least 19 goalie saves for the second consecutive game.
- Connor Montgomery has registered 6 or more shots in three straight games.

Up Next
Illinois Tech is set to travel to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to take on Kalamazoo College in another non-conference match. The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 28th at noon.