Hornets Sting Men's Lacrosse in Season Opener

MEQUON, Wis. - The Concordia University Wisconsin men's lacrosse team kicked off its 2025 season Saturday afternoon at Fitting Field against the Kalamazoo Hornets. In a thrilling contest that featured multiple ties and lead changes, the Falcons fell just short, losing 10-11.

Kalamazoo struck first, taking a 2-0 lead early in the first quarter. However, the Falcons quickly responded. Senior Max Esposito (Gaithersburg, Md.) scored off a quick pass from sophomore Tyler Husby (Eagan, Minn.), and with 3:01 left in the opening frame, senior Orion Danou (Janesville, Wis.) tied the game at 2-2 with an unassisted goal.

The second quarter started fast as Esposito found the back of the net just 40 seconds into the period, giving the Falcons a 3-2 lead. But the Hornets quickly equalized just 12 seconds later, leveling the score at 3-3.

After a Kalamazoo penalty, the Falcons capitalized on their man-up opportunity, with sophomore Bryce Petersen (Waukesha, Wis.) scoring off a pass from Esposito to give CUW a 4-3 lead.

The Falcons extended their advantage to 5-3 as senior Caleb Ruger (Granton, Wis.) scored, and with 4:57 left in the half, Ruger added another goal off a pass from Esposito, sending the Falcons into halftime with a 6-4 lead.

Coming out of the break, Esposito scored again just 39 seconds into the second half, putting the Falcons up 7-4.

But Kalamazoo responded with a four-goal run, taking an 8-7 lead. Esposito leveled the score at 8-8 with 3:11 left in the third quarter, assisted by senior Michael Lange (Brookfield, Wis.).

Less than a minute after Kalamazoo retook the lead, Ruger scored an unassisted goal with 1:47 remaining, tying the game at 9-9 heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth, the Hornets managed to score two quick goals, securing an 11-9 lead. With 4:20 to go, senior Gio Nowotarski (Reading, Pa.) scored off a pass from junior Preston Meier (Owatonna, Minn.) to pull the Falcons within one, but despite some late-game chances, CUW was unable to force overtime, falling 10-11.

Esposito led the Falcons with a team-high six points, registering four goals and two assists, while firing 10 shots. Ruger completed a hat trick with three goals.

Lange led the team with six ground balls and seven faceoff victories. Junior Connor Quill (Schaumburg, Ill.) and senior Oliver Roa (Dunlap, Ill.) each caused three turnovers.

Meawnwhile, freshman goalie Travis Marquardt (Brookfield, Wis.) had a strong showing in goal, recording 17 saves in 60 minutes.

As a team, the Falcons were successful on 21 of 27 clears and converted one of four man-up opportunities. 

From here, the Falcons will travel to Illinois to take on Elmhurst for another non-conference matchup.