SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - - A speedy start carried the Wilmington University men's lacrosse team to a 15-8 victory over American International in the 2026 season opener on Wednesday afternoon at Ronald J Abdow Field.
The Wildcats (1-0) scored the first five goals of the game, leading to a 6-3 advantage after the opening 15 minutes. An additional 3-1 advantage in the second quarter gave the Wildcats a 9-4 lead at the halftime break, carrying them to the season-opening victory.
Wednesday all started at the spot, as Connor Widmer won the first seven face-offs of the game, as the Wildcats only lost one face-off in the first half. Newcomer Ian Betts got the Wildcats on the board first, scoring just 22 seconds into the season. Widmer kept winning the ball back for the Wildcats and it led to a goal from Andrew Dzubak and two from Carter Earl before the Yellow Jackets (0-1) even had an offensive possession. Ian Betts then made it 5-0 with his second of the game with 7:06 left in the quarter. AIC settled in and scored the next three goals, but then Josh Weston beat the buzzer and made it 6-3 at the end of the frame.
The Wildcats scored the first three goals of the second quarter as well, grabbing a 9-3 lead with 11:52 to play in the half. Dzubak added another goal, as did Lovely and Weston, pouring it on early in the quarter. AIC broke a long scoring drought, making it 9-4 with 5:21 to play. The Wildcats outshot the Yellow Jackets, 16-2, in the quarter, but couldn't find the back of the net the rest of the way, taking a 9-4 lead into the half.
The teams traded goals in the third quarter as the Wildcats were able to keep their distance. Carter Earl, Josh Lovely, and Andrew Dzubak all added to their game totals int eh third quarter to lead 12-6, going into the final frame.
American International scored back-to-back goals to cut it to within 13-8 with 11:10 left, but the Wildcats calmed things down with back-to-back goals of their own. They received marks from Lovely and Earl again, closing out the scoring 15-8, with 7:08 to play in the game.
Reigning Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Player of the Year Andrew Dzubak led with six points, scoring three goals and three assists. Carter Earl led the scorers with four goals and an assist for five points while Josh Lovely and Josh Weston added three goals each. Ian Betts finished with two goals and an assist in his Wildcat debut. Connor Widmer finished 16-for-23 at the face-off spot while Brian McGarvey went 3-for-3 in relief. Widmer also added 10 ground balls for the Wildcats. Daniel Flynn made seven stops in goal for the win.
The Wildcats make their 2026 home debut with their next game, hosting Barton on Saturday afternoon. The opening face-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the WU Athletics Complex.