EASTON, Pa. – It was a dead even contest all afternoon between the Lafayette men's lacrosse team and VMI in the 2021 season opener at Fisher Stadium on Saturday, but the Keydets finished on top by a single goal, defeating the Leopards by a 13-12 score.
 
Lafayette took advantage early with two goals in the second quarter after splitting tallies in the first, making it a 4-2 lead in the opening half. A four-goal run from the visitors swung them on top by a 6-4 margin, but Lafayette's Carter Cecil closed the gap into the half with a goal in the final minute to make it 6-5 at the break.
 
The teams again split tallies in the third quarter, but VMI's surge with four of the next six scores proved to be the difference, leading 12-9 with less than five minutes left. Three Leopard tallies surrounded one more from the visitors in the final stages, but it wasn't enough to pull back even.
 
Freshman Charlie Cunniffe was outstanding in his debut with three goals and three assists for six points to lead the Maroon and White offensively, while fellow rookie Peter Lehman also registered a hat trick with three goals and an assist. Cecil was the other multi-point performer with two goals and two assists in his opening collegiate outing.
 
Between the pipes, junior Ryan Ness did all he could, making 14 saves in defeat on 44 shots faced. VMI led overall in shots, 44-30, ground balls, 43-37 and faceoffs, winning 16-of-29 on the afternoon. Lafayette's ride was a bright spot, forcing the Keydets into seven failed clears.
 
The Maroon and White return to action on Wednesday for another non-league clash against Fairfield. Opening faceoff is set for 4 p.m. from Connecticut.