NAPERVILLE — Conference play began last Saturday for College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) women’s lacrosse programs, with three teams opening league action with victories. 
 
Carroll, Carthage and Illinois Wesleyan each moved to 1-0 in conference play, while Augustana, Elmhurst and North Central began league competition at 0-1. The week also included nationally ranked individual and team statistical performances, along with upcoming matchups that will impact the conference standings.
 
Opening Statement: The Race for the Crown Begins
The first full day of conference competition resulted in victories for Carroll, Carthage and Illinois Wesleyan. Carroll and Carthage established early advantages through first-quarter scoring, while Illinois Wesleyan used a third-quarter surge to separate from North Central. The outcomes placed three teams at 1-0 in conference play following the opening weekend.
 
Shutout Statement: Firebirds Clamp Down in Kenosha
Carthage opened conference play with an 18-0 victory over Augustana at Art Keller Field. The Firebirds limited the Vikings to five total shots and did not allow a shot attempt in the third quarter. Offensively, Rosie Nolan recorded five goals and one assist, while Auggie Claridge added three goals and three assists. 
 
Xochitl Delvale-Vera started in goal and played 45 minutes before Izzy Ensenberger completed the final 15 minutes. Carthage followed with a 17-6 non-conference loss to Chicago on Wednesday.
 
Early Onslaught: Pioneers Dictate the Pace in Elmhurst
Carroll began conference play with a 16-2 victory at Elmhurst. The Pioneers scored seven goals in the first quarter and opened the game with 13 consecutive goals. Elaina Phaneuf led the team with five goals, while Paige Helms added four. Sierra Skack recorded three goals and three assists. 
 
Carroll held a 32-17 advantage in ground balls and limited Elmhurst to eight total shots. Devon Duym earned the win in goal, stopping all three shots faced in the first half.
 
Titan Tenacity: Senior Leadership Seals the Opener
Illinois Wesleyan recorded a 16-12 victory over North Central. The teams were tied at 4-4 in the second quarter before the Titans used a 7-2 advantage in the third quarter to create separation. Anelise DiGiovanni and Sadie Newton each scored four goals for Illinois Wesleyan. 
 
North Central scored six goals in the fourth quarter, led by Mikaela Busse with four goals and one assist, but the Titans responded with late goals to secure the result. Marli Brown recorded 11 saves for Illinois Wesleyan, while CC Rovik made 12 saves for North Central.
 
Global Recognition: CCIW Stars Shine on the National Stage
Conference programs are represented in NCAA Division III statistical rankings through games played on Wednesday. Carroll’s Grace Tumilty ranks second nationally in caused turnovers per game (4.50). Carthage goalkeeper Xochitl Delvale-Vera ranks fourth in goals-against average (5.81), while the Firebirds rank fourth as a team in scoring defense (5.50 goals allowed per game). Augustana ranks fourth nationally in ground balls per game (28.25) and eighth in caused turnovers per game (14.75).
 
Leaderboard Logic: Breaking Down the Top Individual Stats
Carthage’s Auggie Claridge leads the conference in goals per game (3.55) and points per game (5.36). Becca Lacina of Augustana and Carroll’s Sierra Skack are tied for the conference lead in assists per game at 2.00. 
 
Kaitlyn Goff of Carthage leads the conference in draw controls per game (5.64), followed by Elmhurst’s Grace Lorkiewicz (5.55). Carroll’s Grace Tumilty leads the conference in ground balls per game (5.50), while Jacq Vanoni of Elmhurst leads in saves per game (9.09).

Saturday’s Slate
Conference play continues Saturday with Carthage traveling to North Central for an 11:00 a.m. game. Elmhurst will visit Augustana at noon, and Illinois Wesleyan will face Carroll in Waukesha at 12 p.m.