SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Centre men's lacrosse led wire-to-wire in a 17-13 season-opening win Saturday at Wittenberg, defeating the Tigers inside The Steemer.
 
The Colonels (1-0) put together a massive first quarter, scoring the first five goals of the contest and ultimately leading the Tigers (0-1) by a 7-1 margin before the period's final whistle.
 
Will Hubbs and David Caldwell scored five goals each during the game, and Dylan Croft claimed 17 of 22 faceoffs while matching the program's single-game record with 15 ground balls.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rookie David Caldwell began the scoring and notched his first collegiate goal less than two minutes into the game, converting an assist from Will Hubbs from close range. He doubled his tally minutes later after stealing the ball from Wittenberg keeper Brandon Shevins and converting on an open net.
- Another turnover led to a score from Hubbs, and seconds later Ridr Knowlton made it 4-0 following the ensuing faceoff. Knowlton made it five straight for Centre near the midway point of the quarter.
- Freshman Max Speers tallied his first collegiate goal later in the period, and his classmate Caldwell completed his hat trick to give Centre a commanding 7-1 lead through one frame. Centre out-shot Wittenberg 18-1 in the first quarter.
- Croft continued to excel in gaining possession for the Colonels, and a pair of goals from Hubbs to start the second quarter saw Centre's lead swell to 9-1.
- Mick Ginnity and Nate Dobbs got in on the scoring before halftime, helping the visitors take a 12-5 advantage into the lockers.
- Noah Malubay helped set up an early third quarter goal from Caldwell, and on the next faceoff, Croft won the ground ball and promptly scored to make it 14-5.
- Wittenberg scored three unanswered across the third and fourth periods, and went on a 6-1 stretch overall to put some pressure on the Colonels, who ultimately left victorious.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Centre won 26 of 33 faceoffs, led by Croft's stellar 17-22 effort. Alex Mozingo also went an efficient 9-for-11.
- Caldwell made his impact felt right away with his first quarter hat trick, totaling five goals and six points in his debut. Speers (three points) also had a solid first outing.
- Hubbs' eight points led all individuals, as the reigning Southern Athletic Association Offensive Player of the Year put eight of 13 shots on goal and added four ground balls.
- Jack Furlong, Paxton Brown and Caldwell each caused two turnovers, and as a team Centre forced 25 Wittenberg turnovers.
- Ramsay Cole started for the Colonels at goalie in his collegiate debut.
 
UP NEXT
Centre's home opener is next Saturday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m. on South Turf Field.