The Lindenwood men's lacrosse team crushed Shorter University by a final score of 27-1 in its season opener from Hunter Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Lions, who rank No. 17 in the USILA Coaches' Preseason Polls, tallied the second most goals in school history for a single game, trailing the 29 goals scored against Fontbonne on March 15, 2015.
 
Throughout the first half, the Lions unleashed shot after shot in which 26 of 41 attempted shots came on goal. The Lions outscored the Hawks 12-0 during the first half led by Kevin Eskridge's two goals and two assists. Josh Coons also made his presence known by contributing three goals towards a 6-0 lead in the first quarter alone. After assisting once in the first quarter, David Corazalla recorded two of his three total goals in the second quarter. Connor Eskridge and Sean Darroch joined the scoring frenzy as they together registered two goals and three assists.
 
In the second half, the Lions did not slow down. They piled 10 goals in the third quarter alone as eight different players scored at least one goal. Coons and Darroch each scored twice while both Kevin and Connor Eskridge found the net once. In the beginning of the third quarter, Ben Besancenez saved a shot then ran downfield to pass to Gabe Monteleone, who normally plays defender. However, Monteleone went on the offensive and scored the first goal of the half. Later on in the period, Coulter Strauss was one of four freshmen to score his first career goal as a Lion when he launched a missile passed the goalie unassisted. Andrew Hasz posted one goal and one assist in the fourth quarter while Leonard Jones scored two total goals and assisted once back in the second quarter. Justin Higgins not only scored his first goal of his career, but he did so off winning a faceoff followed by the goal five seconds later.
 
Other players made their marks throughout the dominating performance. Max Troha scored twice off eight attempted shots while assisting once. Both Dustin Ossello and Isaiah Kozak recorded a goal while Steven Tusing and Garrett Brunsvold, freshman, delivered an assist each. Andrew Fanizzi was one of nine Lions to register at least a goal and an assist.
 
The Lions scooped up 52 groundballs to the Hawks' 16 while also completing a perfect 21 of 21 clear attempts. Led by the defense of Monteleone, Bryan Bevelhimer, Connor Laird, Jake Moran and others whom forced at least one turnover, the Lions caused 25 total turnovers to Shorter's 10. The Lions also converted 23 of 31 faceoffs led by Tyler Schermann, Joe Shelly, and Higgins. Finally, the Lions took nearly full advantage on extra-man opportunities as they got four goals on five chances.
 
The Lions will return to action next Saturday from Hunter Stadium at 1 pm when they host No. 4 Tampa.