CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — Wabash College held even through the opening quarter but could not keep pace with a high-powered Illinois Wesleyan offense, falling 17-6 in a nonconference matchup Wednesday afternoon at Fischer Field.
The Little Giants (2-7) answered an early goal by the Titans to pull (6-4) even at 1-1 on a man-up strike by Jake Pippen, but Illinois Wesleyan used a five-goal second quarter to seize control and never relinquished the lead. The visitors extended their advantage with five goals in both the third and fourth periods to secure the win.
Illinois Wesleyan scored three times in the opening five minutes of the second period to build a 5-1 advantage. Dybedock stopped the run briefly with an unassisted goal, and Grayson McCallum added another score later in the quarter, but the Titans maintained control with a 7-3 lead at halftime.
The Titans extended their lead in the third quarter with a series of scoring runs, highlighted by multiple goals from Owen Miller and Timothy McHugh. Wabash received goals from Keegan Hatchell and Dybedock in the period but trailed 12-4 entering the final quarter.
Illinois Wesleyan continued its offensive efficiency in the fourth quarter, adding five more goals, including a man-up score by Holden Webster. Wabash countered with goals from Eli Backus and Pippen, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.
Pippen led the Little Giants with two goals, while Dybedock contributed one goal and one assist. McCallum, Hatchell, and Backus each added a goal. Evan Bair, Dybedock, and Zach McMichael recorded assists for Wabash.
Illinois Wesleyan featured a balanced attack with multiple players producing multi-point performances. Miller scored four goals, Webster added four goals, and McHugh recorded three goals and three assists to pace the Titans' offense.
The Titans held advantages across several key statistical categories, including a 56-39 edge in total shots and a 50-33 margin in ground balls. Illinois Wesleyan also forced 30 Wabash turnovers while committing 20 and split faceoffs evenly at 16 wins apiece.
Wabash goalkeeper Colin Krekeler recorded 20 saves in the loss, facing heavy pressure throughout the contest. Illinois Wesleyan goalkeeper Jaymeson Zackery earned the win with seven saves in nearly 49 minutes of action.
Wabash finished 1-of-5 on extra-man opportunities, while Illinois Wesleyan converted one of three chances.
The Little Giants return to action Saturday, April 4, with a North Coast Athletic Conference game against arch-rival DePauw University scheduled for 1 p.m.
