UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Lafayette men's lacrosse team opened the 2023 season with a 21-11 loss to Big 10 foe Penn State on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Nittany Lions opened the game with five-straight goals, ultimately taking a 6-2 lead after the first quarter. Junior midfielders John Mathes and Connor Freeman each netted a goal for the Leopards.
 
In the second, Charlie Cunniffe and Sean Rushton each found the back of the net, as Mathes capitalized on a man-up opportunity, bringing the Leopards within four, 10-6 to round out the first half.
 
The Leopards scored two in the third, as Penn State led 16-8 heading into the final quarter. The Nittany Lions held on to win 21-10.
 
Freshmen Nick Muller and Jack Irish scored their first collegiate goals in the defeat. 
 
Freshman goalkeeper Joe Doherty tallied his first career start, playing all 60 minutes in net and making 15 saves.
 
Cunniffe and Mathes led the Leopards with two goals apiece, as Cunniffe also dished out three assists. 
 
Lafayette picked up 38 ground balls and had 12 caused turnovers.
 
The Leopards will host Delaware in their home-opener on Saturday at noon.
 
For the latest on the Lafayette College men's lacrosse program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteMLAX and Instagram @lafayettemlax.