Franciscan 9, Mount Union 22

Franciscan Starters 
Luke Reimer, Joseph James, Sam Smith, Thomas LeBlanc, William Creter, Alex Ahmann, Gavin Williams, Ayden Burke, Nathaniel Carter  & Goalkeeper- James Masso

How It Happened 
   Franciscan Men's Lacrosse opened up the 2025 season with a tough, non-conference foe Mount Union on the road on Saturday. The Barons were able to beat the Purple Raiders in Steubenville last season, but the home team had the edge today.

    Mount Union took an early 4-0 edge before Joseph James scored a pair to get in the scoring column this season. Nathaniel Carter scored his first a little later, but the Barons trailed 7-3 after one quarter. The Purple Raiders stretched their lead up to an eight-goal margin before Eli Everts scored his first collegiate goal. James added his second, but the Barons trailed 12-5 at the half. Gavin Williams, Ayden Burke, and Declan Uhlenkott all tallied goals in the second half, but the Barons were not able to overcome their deficit. 
    
Inside the Numbers 
- James led the Barons with three goals on six shots.
- Ayden Burke has a team-high four ground balls.
- James Masso had 13 saves in his first collegiate start at goalie
- The Purple Raiders won 30 faceoffs

Up Next 
Franciscan will host Marietta next Saturday for the 2025 Home Opener at Trinity Health System Field. It will be game two of a lacrosse doubleheader, as they will play at 4:00 p.m. The Pioneers have gotten the better of the Barons in recent years, as the Barons are in search of their first win against them in their fifth meeting. This will be the Pioneers fourth game of the season. They have already beaten a pair of PAC schools, Thiel and W&J, as they are 2-0. They will play Chatham on Wednesday before coming to Steubenville.

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