ANGOLA, Ind. – The Trine University men's lacrosse team opened their season with a hard fought 9-6 victory against visiting DePauw University.

The Tigers held an early lead scoring the first two goals of the contest over the opening seven minutes of play. A pair of penalties late in the first quarter gave the Thunder a two-man advantage and it led to the first goal for the home team. Will Gonia scored the goal off a quick pass from behind the net by Rocco Curatola. Collin Custer tied the game with an individual effort just under a minute later.

Riley Fischer gave the team their first lead of the day four minutes into the second, with an assist by Landen Kruse. After a response by DePauw, JJ Boos and Xavier Huber each scored goals to give the team a 5-3 lead heading into halftime.

The two teams traded goals in the first part of the third quarter, with Chris Molnar and Custer scoring for the Thunder. The final goal of the period also went on the board for the home team, with Fischer netting his second.

Each team scored one in the fourth, with Trine's coming from Huber, and the Thunder won the contest 9-6.

Kruse led the team with three assists while Molnar, Huber and Custer each recorded a pair of goals.

Defensively the Thunder finished the game with 11 caused turnovers, Mason Levin led the team with three with Danny Kelly finishing with two. In goal Trine split time with Zade Gawrys taking the first half and Luke Arnold playing the second. Gawrys received the win with his four saves while Arnold led the team with 10 saves.

The Thunder will play again tomorrow, Sunday, February 23, when they host Lawrence University. Opening faceoff is scheduled for noon.