The University of Mary Washington men's lacrosse team fell to Hampden-Sydney College, 21-13, in their season opener on Saturday in Fredericksburg, VA. Junior Kevin Cruz led the Eagles with three goals.

Hampden-Sydney got out to a fast start to take an early 2-0 lead in the game. The Eagles answered with two straight goals to tie the game up at two a piece. Cruz scored both goals, one on an assist from J.D. Nozemack and the other on a man-up opportunity. The Tigers answered with another goal at the 5:47 mark. UMW took a 4-3 over the next two minutes as Chase Kapuscienski and Nozemack both scored goals. HSC closed the quarter with three straight goals to take a 7-4 advantage.

The Tigers added an early goal in the second quarter just 2:56 in. Kristophe Newman answered with a goal on an assist from Nozemack just two minutes later. Nozemack scored unassisted with 4:16 to play in the half to put the score at 8-6. The Tigers closed the quarter again by scoring three goals and that put them ahead 11-6 at the half.

Kapuscienski scored just one minute into the second half to put UMW within four, 11-7. HSC added two goals, but a goal from Will Hackett kept the Eagles in the game. The Tigers went up 15-8 with 8:55 left in the third quarter but again UMW answered with two goals of their own to get within five, 15-10. Nick Clingan and Cruz both scored goals in that mini run. HSC closed the quarter by adding two more goals and put the score at 17-10 going into the fourth.

The Tigers extended their advantage to 19-10 less than a minute and a half into the fourth quarter. Newman scored an outstanding goal with 10:26 to go in the game. Logan Green and Clingan added late goals for UMW. 

Quintin Ricci led the team with 12 ground balls. Colin Mahoney caused two turnovers on the day. Jack-Henry Smith and Bennett Miller both picked up thre ground balls a piece. Lucas Whittie made five saves in goal. 

The Eagles outshot the Tigers 40-39, won 18-36 faceoffs, and were 22-27 on clears.

UMW will be back in action on Saturday as they will host Shenandoah for a game at 1:00 p.m.