BELOIT, Wis. — Looking for their first victory of the season, the Illinois Tech men's lacrosse team picked the perfect time to accomplish that feat, with a commanding victory over Beloit College in their conference opener, triumphing 13–4 at Strong Stadium on Wednesday night. The Scarlet Hawks showcased a formidable defense, holding the Buccaneers to just four goals while dominating the faceoff circle with 14 wins. Will Von Eyser paced the Hawks with 5 goals, while Connor Montgomery added 3 goals and 4 assists.

Illinois Tech's overall record stands at 1-6, and 1-0 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play, while Beloit sits at 3-2 and 0-1 in conference action.

How It Happened

Illinois Tech came out flying in the first quarter, seizing the initial faceoff and setting the pace early. Drake Doubek opened the scoring at 12:04, even as the Scarlet Hawks were a man down. Diego Sosa doubled the lead with a goal at 10:39, assisted by Connor Montgomery. Despite a response from Beloit's John Imbriale at 7:03, the Scarlet Hawks kept pressing with goals from Will Von Eyser at 3:30 and Montgomery at 1:09, closing the quarter at 4–1 in favor of Illinois Tech.

Beloit struck first in the second quarter with a goal from Samuel Van Der Kolk at 14:11, thanks to Ryder Story's assist. Story then brought Beloit closer with another goal at 12:22, assisted by Liam Walker. Undeterred, Von Eyser found the net at 10:01, with Montgomery assisting, followed by an unassisted goal from Cooper Leonard at 6:58. Joseph Beaudoin took advantage of a man-up situation, scoring with 19 seconds left, assisted by Montgomery, pushing the lead to 7–4 for Illinois Tech.

The third quarter saw Illinois Tech's offense in full stride, shutting out Beloit 4-0. Von Eyser kicked things off at 9:49, capitalizing on a penalty. Montgomery added to the tally at 5:16, and Von Eyser struck again at 2:54 with an assist from Montgomery. In the final moments of the quarter, Montgomery scored once more at 0:10, assisted by Sosa, solidifying a commanding 11–4 lead for Illinois Tech.

In the fourth quarter, Illinois Tech cemented their victory with a 2-0 run. Leonard scored at 10:07, showcasing the team's offensive prowess, while Von Eyser added another goal at 7:08, assisted by Sosa. The Scarlet Hawks' defense remained resolute, with Ryan Littler making crucial saves to keep Beloit scoreless in the final quarter, sealing the game at 13–4.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Will Von Eyser
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- 5 goals
- 10 shots
- Game-winning goal

Connor Montgomery
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- 3 goals
- 4 assists
- 10 shots

Diego Sosa
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- 1 goal
- 2 assists
- 12 shots

Cooper Leonard
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- 2 goals
- 1 assist
- 3 shots on goal

Duwayne Aikins
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- 12 faceoff wins
- .750 faceoff %
- 9 ground balls

Ryan Littler
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- 12 saves
- .750 save %


Beloit Top Performers

Christian Moore
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- 9 saves
- 41 shots faced

Ryder Story
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- 2 goals
- 1 assist
- 4 shots

John Imbriale
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- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 5 shots

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech is now 6-0 all-time against Beloit College.
- The team recorded a season-high 13 goals.
- Will Von Eyser achieved a season-high with 5 goals.
- Duwayne Aikins collected a season-high 9 ground balls.
- Connor Montgomery tallied a season-high 4 assists.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks prepare to host Edgewood University this Saturday, March 21, at Stuart Field in Chicago, Illinois. The battle kicks off at noon.