SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It had been just about two years since the Colorado Mesa men's lacrosse team faced off with rival Westminster, and three years since the Mavericks defeated the Griffins. In the conference opener Friday evening, CMU left no doubt taking home a 16-6 victory.

The Mavericks took 49 shots to the Griffins 26, and dominated in ground balls 55-26, and were 19-of-26 in faceoffs, all of which were credited to freshman Dylan Checketts. Checketts also scooped up 15 ground balls, to lead the team's efforts.

Carson Schwark was behind three goals on the evening, bringing his season total to 12, and third consecutive game with multiple goals. AJ Switzer and Sergio Pelayo put together a pair of goals and a pair of assists. Drew Eickelman was involved on both ends of the field scoring a goal, assisting on three others, all while picking up five ground balls and causing two turnovers.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Hunter Holcomb scored within the first couple of minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Westminster tied it up around the six-minute mark, only to have the even score stripped as the
Mavericks opened up an 8-0 run through the first and part of the second quarter.

The final two goals of the half went to CMU's Schwark and James Steinke, heading into the break with an 11-2 advantage.

Westminster worked to match the scoring efforts of the Mavericks in the final two quarters, but dug themselves into too deep a hole to recover.
The team will look to build on their four game win streak, heading to Adams State and CSU Pueblo next weekend to continue conference play. Following that road trip, they will finally host their home opener in a rematch with Colorado College on April 16.