ELMHURST, Ill. – The Ohio Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team traveled to Illinois on Tuesday to face off against Elmhurst, taking on the undefeated Blue Jays – who are receiving votes in the national polls – in a tough road test. The Battling Bishops took a 4-3 lead to open the second quarter and never looked back, leading the rest of the way en route to a 16-9 victory. 

OWU advances to 2-3, while Elmhurst suffers their first setback of the season, falling to 5-1.

Elmhurst came out the gates firing, scoring just 42 seconds into the bout. However, Will Siegenthaler responded less than a minute later, finding the back of the net to knot things at one. Siegenthaler was far from done there, as he set up Henry Ross just 23 seconds later to give the Red and Black an early 2-1 lead. Noah Citek followed it up with a FOGO goal to push the advantage to two just over two minutes into the game. The Blue Jays quickly shook off the early deficit, finding the back of the net at the 8:46 mark and again with 56 seconds left to bring things all square after one. 

The Bishops began to create separation early in the second quarter, as back-to-back goals from Ross and Wade Beckstrom made it 5-3. Elmhurst quickly answered with a goal of its own, but the Red and Black retaliated by rattling off three unanswered goals—two from Beckstrom and one from Siegenthaler—to take control of the contest. The Blue Jays found the back of the net once more before halftime, but OWU remained ahead 8-5 at the intermission. 

The third quarter was absolute domination from Ohio Wesleyan, outscoring Elmhurst 6-1 in the frame–including five unanswered to open the period. Garrett Smith started the scoring spree with two goals, both courtesy of an assist from Siegenthaler. Siegenthaler then got in on the action himself, finding the back of the net with 5:55 to play in the third. Carson Fialho added a goal for the Bishops just 26 seconds later. Siegenthaler capped off an impressive day with his fourth and final goal of the game to give the squad a 13-5 lead. The Blue Jays tacked on a late goal with 40 seconds remaining, but Ross answered right at the horn to give the Bishops a commanding 14-6 lead heading into the final 15 minutes.

With eyes set on a comeback, Elmhurst scored three goals within 55 seconds in the opening minutes of the third. However, Blake Altman and Beckstrom slammed the door shut, each scoring a goal under five minutes to seal a 16-9 victory for the Red and Black. 

THE NUMBERS
Ohio Wesleyan took 38 shots, 25 on goal. Elmhurst fired 35 shots, 17 of which were on goal. 

The Red and Black were 20-for-21 on clears, 18-for-28 on faceoffs, and picked up 25 ground balls.

In his return home, Will Siegenthaler led the Bishops with seven points on four goals and three assists, also picking up a ground ball. 

Wade Beckstrom also netted four goals for four points. 

Henry Ross had three goals and an assist for four points while adding a ground ball. 

Garrett Smith finished with two goals for two points.

Noah Citek won 18 of his 27 faceoff attempts, picking up 10 ground balls and scoring once for one point. 

Blake Altman had a goal and an assist for two points  

Carson Fialho tallied one goal and one point. 

Cole Tulgestke picked up an assist giving him one point, and added two ground balls. 

Trey Weber led the defensive end with two caused turnovers and two ground balls. Luca DiCarlo, Tanner Hower, and Jason Mosher each forced a turnover.

Mosher (1-2) got the start in the cage and played the entire 60 minutes. He made eight saves and earned the win.

UP NEXT
The Battling Bishops take a trip to Pennsylvania on Saturday to take on York. The two sides are set to face off at 3 p.m.