ANVILLE, Pa. – The No. 9 Franklin & Marshall men's lacrosse team jumped all over Lebanon Valley en route to a 19-6 victory on the road during its season opener. The Diplomats allowed just one goal during each of the first three periods as they rolled to their first victory of the season.

Blake Target scored a hat trick just under 12 minutes into the contest and finished with a game-high five goals to lead Franklin & Marshall's attack. In addition to Target's production, James Moroney added a hat trick in his F&M debut, while Will DeMuth and Will Mollihan also scored a pair of goals. Mollihan ended up with a team-high six points as he additionally dished out four helpers throughout the afternoon. Eleven different players rattled the back of the cage for Franklin & Marshall during the season-opening win.

Despite the final score, it was actually Lebanon Valley that got on the board first. However, the Diplomats answered that goal just 38 seconds later and went on to score the next nine goals before the Dutchmen replicated their early offense. In addition to the multi-goal scorers, A.J. Rigsby, Colin Falk, Eddy Madden, and Kai Kelly all found the back of the cage during the opening half. Kelly's goal came in his debut for the Diplomats. Rigsby added three assists throughout the afternoon during a four-point outing.

Franklin & Marshall's lead climbed all the way to 18-3 following a 6-1 advantage in third quarter goals. Michael Buttelman's first career goal capped the scoring run in that period. The Diplomats also saw Kyle Russell score his first career goal during the fourth quarter to give his side its final tally of the afternoon.

The Diplomats finished with a commanding 43-23 advantage in shots. Sage Garito took the start in cage during the season opener and made five saves over his 49-plus minutes of game action. George Rioseco wrapped up the remaining time in goal, making one save during his collegiate debut. Franklin & Marshall won 17 of the 28 face-offs overall, led by Connor Helm's 12-of-17 afternoon. F&M also finished with a 40-23 edge in ground balls and 8-5 advantage in caused turnovers.

Men's lacrosse will now look towards its home opener this Wednesday, February 23 as DeSales comes to Shadek Stadium for a 4 p.m. face-off. The Diplomats will also battle Messiah next Saturday on their home field during a two-game week.