ANNVILLE, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall men's lacrosse team scored the first 13 goals en route to a 21-6 win during the 2025 season opener on Saturday at Lebanon Valley. The Diplomats were up by a game-high 17 goals during the third quarter as they won their fourth consecutive season opener dating back to the 2021 season.

Kai Kelly paced the attack with six goals, with Mason Montrella (four goals) and Matt Marino (three goals) also tallying hat tricks during the victory. Marino's Diplomat debut highlighted the newcomers to the team, with Preston Blue, Matthew Spagnoletti, Gavin Pierson, and Alex Fraser additionally allying their first collegiate goals during the contest.

The Diplomats outshot the Flying Dutchmen by a 23-4 total during the first 15 minutes and held a 35-8 advantage in shots by the half. Montrella scored each of his four goals during the first quarter, while Kelly and Marino both added two during the first period of play. Dillon Mannix got his name onto the score sheet during that quick start to the season. In addition to scoring the first goal of the season, first-year Blue added four assists throughout the contest to finish his debut with five points.

Ryan Roberts opened the second quarter scoring before Kelly tallied four consecutive goals spanning the second and third quarters to give his side a 17-1 lead. The F&M lead grew to as much as 19-2 following goals from Ryan Connelly and Matthew Giller before putting the visitors put the finishing touches on the 21-6 final.

Franklin & Marshall finished the game with a 56-30 advantage in shots, 41-22 edge in ground balls, and a 22-6 margin in face-off victories. First-year Braden Shipp was one of four face-off men who took their turn at the X. He won 13 of his 15 restarts and finished with a game-high seven ground balls in addition to causing two turnovers. Owen Krause (4-for-5), Connor Traynor (4-for-7), and TJ McCabe (1-for-1) also showcased their talents at the face-off.

Teddy Scarborough got the start in goal and stopped six of the nine shots that he faced to pick up the victory. John Donovan came on to finish the final 15 minutes of the contest in goal where he made two additional saves.

Following its 1-0 start to the season, men's lacrosse will now get set for its home opener this coming Wednesday, February 19 against Bates. That non-conference contest is set for a 4:30 p.m. start in Shadek Stadium.