DUBUQUE, Iowa - The 2024 season officially began this afternoon as the University of Dubuque men's lacrosse team hosted the Edgewood College Eagles in the season home opener. Led by Sam Todd, the Spartans opened up an early lead and defeated the Eagles by a final score of 17-6. 

The Spartans were quick to get the first goal of the season as Tyler Johnson scored a man-up goal to give the Spartans the lead just over two minutes into the game. The next six goals all belonged to the Spartans as Sam Todd had all four of his goals in the first period and Giovanni Silva scored twice to lead 7-0. The Eagles scored late into the first to end the first 15 minutes with the Spartans ahead 7-1. Aydan Rathsabandith scored his first goal of the season to start the second quarter, while Johnson added another unassisted goal and with a man-up opportunity, Quintten Rangel scored his first of the season as the Spartans led at the half 10-2. 

Rangel continued where he left off just before the half scoring another man-up goal, followed by Silva and Kyle Hephner's first goal of 2024 to match their biggest lead of the night at 13-2. The Eagles scored two goals in a row in the second half of the third quarter, but the Spartans added an additional four goals in the fourth to put the game well out of reach. 

Todd finished with seven points (four goals, three assists) along with Silva and Aidan Culligan adding four points. The Spartans were 13-25 on faceoff opportunities with John Lewis getting the most opportunities by winning a team-high nine faceoffs. With the Eagles having a lot of penalties, the Spartans took advantage finishing 7-13 in extra man opportunities. 

The Spartans begin the season at 1-0 overall. 

Up Next
The Spartans travel to Aurora University for their first road game of the season on Saturday, February 24. The game is set to start at 1:00 p.m.