LANCASTER, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall men's lacrosse team opened its season by doubling up Lebanon Valley during the team's hope opener on Saturday. Tied at six-all early in the third quarter, the Diplomats (1-0) scored nine straight goals and 14 of the final 18 goals to come away with the convincing victory.
It was also a record-breaking day individually as Adam Soper won 24 of his 30 face-off attempts and finished with F&M's single game school record with 19 ground balls. His effort at the X broke the school record that was previously set by Andrew Setian when he picked up 15 ground balls during a 2012 game against Swarthmore. Soper's 24 face-off wins were the second most in school history, trailing only Andrew Rose's 25 face-off wins during the 2018 contest versus Washington College.
Ryan Roberts led the F&M attack with four goals and one assist on the afternoon as he put up those offensive totals with just six shots. Kai Kelly and Liam Timmins also finished with hat tricks on the afternoon, while Jack Luviano and Dillon Mannix both rattled the back of the cage twice. Luviano also added two assists to finish with four points. First-years Luke Hayes and Mason Montrella both scored during their collegiate debuts, while Matthew Giller and Brendan Murphy both recorded their first collegiate goals. Christian Sullivan and Kyle Stevenson also scored throughout the victory.
The Diplomats dominated throughout the game and finished with a 58-27 advantage in shots. Those totals included a 36-17 advantage in shots on goal. Sage Garito picked up the win in goal as he made seven saves on the afternoon. He anchored a defense that was very strong overall, highlighted by holding Lebanon Valley to just 15-of-26 on its clearing attempts while the Flying Dutchmen committed 23 turnovers as a team.
Led by Soper, but also bolstered by the rest of the defense, F&M held a 54-28 advantage in ground balls. In addition to his goal, Murphy was strong all around as he picked up six ground balls and had a team-best four caused turnovers. Owen Hire had another strong game on defense with three ground balls and two caused turnovers, making him one of 12 Diplomats to pick up multiple ground balls during the season opener.
Today's game was the first of six consecutive home games that the Diplomats will play to begin the 2024 season. Franklin & Marshall returns to Shadek Stadium this coming Wednesday for a 4 p.m. opening face-off with Arcadia.
