OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The No. 8 Franklin & Marshall men's lacrosse team ran off six consecutive wins to start the 2022 season before suffering its first defeat of the year on Friday evening. That first loss came during the challenging Mustang Classic hosted by Stevenson against No. 5 York (Pa.) in a rematch of last year's NCAA Tournament second round game. The nationally-ranked Spartans jumped in front early and built their lead throughout during the 18-7 final.

Kai Kelly led the attack with two goals and an assist, while Will Mollihan (1g, 2a) also had a three-point outing. A.J. Rigsby (two goals) and Will DeMuth (1g, 1a) added multiple points, but it was not enough to overcome an outstanding game from York's Will Harnick, who tallied six goals and two assists to pace the Spartans.

York held the advantage in shots, 47-34, but 12 saves from the Spartan goalies prevented the Diplomats from tightening the gap on Friday night. Connor Helm won 10 of his 23 face-offs, with Adam Soper (2-for-4) and Peter Della-Volpe (1-for-1) aiding those efforts. The Diplomats were also very competive in ground ball situations, with York (Pa.) holding the slight 37-32 margin. Helm's effort at the X led to a team-best five ground balls.

Men's lacrosse will look to return to its winning ways on Saturday night when the Diplomats battle host Stevenson during their second and final game of the Mustang Classic. Opening faceoff against the No. 16 Mustangs is set for 8:30 p.m.