KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's lacrosse team defeated Taylor University in its home opener on Saturday afternoon by a final score of 18-9.
The Hornets opened the game with an early 3-0 lead to open the game and found themselves with a 6-1 advantage following the first quarter. Outscoring the Trojans 6-2 in the third quarter gave Kalamazoo a 12-3 lead at halftime.
Taylor cut into the Kalamazoo lead in the third period as it held the Hornets to just two goals and scored five of its own. Kalamazoo put a halt on the Taylor comeback effort in the final quarter as it scored four goals to secure the win.
The Hornets outshot the Trojans 59-30 while holding a 32-19 advantage in shots on goal. Kalamazoo also won 16 of the 29 faceoffs throughout the game and converted on 10 of 14 clear attempts.
Jake Nugent led the Hornets in scoring as the sophomore scored four goals on just five shots.
Jack Smith added three goals while distributing a team-high four assists. Jack Loveland also scored three times.
Jack Jesko, Dylan McGorisk, Harrison Ramsey, and Brandon Wright each added two goals for Kalamazoo.
The Hornets return to MacKenzie Field on Wednesday, March 4 when they host Northland at 5 p.m.