Molly O'Brien scored twice as ninth-ranked Illinois Wesleyan defeated No. 21 Denison 3-1 on Saturday afternoon in Granville.

Saturday's match between the two nationally-ranked programs was a rematch from a second-round game in last year's NCAA Tournament.  Last November the Big Red shutout the Titans, 2-0, at Barclay-Thomsen Field.

After a feeling out process over the opening 20+ minutes, Denison generated the first scoring threat in the 22nd minute when Libbie Randolph sent a shot on goal that was turned aside by IWU keeper Zoie Samaan.  At 21:42, Lydia Harlan sent a header towards the net off a Maddy Regan corner.  Harlan's header struck the left post and went wide of the goal.

With two and half minutes remaining in the opening period, sophomore Lauren Jay feathered a pass to senior Tory Danis who was behind the Titan defense.  Danis ripped a shot that was stopped by Samaan.  At the break, DU held a 6-5 edge in shots and attempted five corners compared to just two by Illinois Wesleyan.

With roughly 34 minutes left in the second half, Denison sophomore goalie Andrea Karl broke up a scoring opportunity as she punched out a crossing attempt by Tess Bottorff.

In the 69th minute, the Big Red finally put a ball past Samaan.  Jay chipped a shot into the box from the left side.  As Samaan charged to punch the ball away, sophomore Jocelyn Festle headed the ball away from the IWU goalkeeper and towards the wide open net.  Festle followed the loose ball and punched it in from point blank range to give DU a 1-0 lead.

With just under 16 minutes left in regulation, Denison continued the pressure and almost doubled their lead.  However, Sara Livingston's diving header attempt just missed the flick on pass by Danis.

The Titans came up with the equalizer at 75:52 when Kristina Dolak capitalized on a failed clear attempt by the Big Red.  Dolak corralled the ball and fired it into the left side for her first goal of 2011.  Over the next 5:24, O'Brien took over the game with a pair of goals to give IWU a 3-1 advantage.  O'Brien's first came in the 78 minute off an assist from Tillie Bill, while her second was an unassisted tally in the 82nd minute.

The Titans outshot Denison 18-7, and committed 14 fouls compared to nine infractions by the Big Red.  Karl finished the day with five saves, while Samaan made two stops.

Denison falls to 1-2-1 overall, while IWU improves to 3-0.  After a short rest, the Big Red will return to the pitch on Sunday (Sept. 11) for a home match against Adrian at 1 p.m.