WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Carroll University men's lacrosse team simply dominated.
That point was clearly emphasized as it defeated North Central University 15-4 in a cold, overcast nonconference game at Schneider Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was the second home-field victory of the young season for Carroll, which snapped a string of back-to back overtime losses to improve to 2-3 overall.
The gritty, hard-fought victory took on added significance as it established a program record for goals in a single game.
The Pioneers maintained a consistent, balanced offensive attack throughout the day by generating four goals in the first, second and fourth quarters.
Sophomore attackman Paul Kerchberger (Deer Park, Ill.) and freshman midfielder Christopher Bechtel (Sammamish, Wash.) each recorded a hat trick to lead Carroll, which easily eclipsed its previous high of nine goals set in a season-opening 9-8 victory over University of Northwestern on Feb. 11.
"It was nice to be able to watch everyone come together, step up to the challenge and contribute to a record-breaking victory," said Kerchberger, who also had two assists. "This effort really worked to showcase the depth and other various aspects of the team. It wasn't only about a few players leading the way but more so about the veterans and freshmen continuing to work together. Our team chemistry continues to come along each time we step on the field and today it became an important factor. 
"Coming off of two difficult losses, it was great to be able to put them behind us and bounce back with a victory as we get closer to the conference schedule. It should act as a good confidence builder."
Bechtel emphasized that the team's fast, physical approach and unselfish mindset were a catalyst to success in the contest.
Bechtel scored the opening goal 58 seconds into the game off an assist from freshman attackman Jeff Schultz (Franklin, Wis.).
"Being a freshman, it was cool to see the team continue to make a lot of progress," said Bechtel, who finished with three assists. "We were pretty down after the two tough overtime losses so it was great to be able to focus on this one, get off to a strong start and come away with a victory. Throughout the day, there was a lot of camaraderie and selfless play on the field. We just played for one another and that's when good things happened."
Schultz (Franklin, Wis.) contributed two goals and a game-high five assists for the Pioneers, who savored the opportunity to ring the Carroll victory bell following the game.
Sophomore attackman Edward Weizenicker (New Berlin, Wis.) and freshman midfielder Domonic Sabbarese (Verona, Wis.) each scored two goals with junior midfielder Drake Nikolai (South Milwaukee, Wis.), freshman midfielder Dannon Ivey (Grass Valley, Calif.) and Brian Hoffman each adding one.
Carroll outshot the Rams 48-14 in the contest, maintaining a 28-6 shot-on-goal advantage.
Sophomore John Annand (South Orange, N.J.) and freshman Abe Escrada (Sammamish, Wash.) each played a half at goalkeeper to help preserve a victory for the Pioneers.
Carroll first-year head coach Brian Nowak was pleased with his team's ability to start fast, make a statement in the first quarter and maintain the momentum for the duration of the game.
"It was a great all-around effort from beginning to end," said Nowak, whose team showcased its unselfishness by registering 12 assists. "Coming in, our main objective was to push the ball early on, play up to our potential and set the tone. We just focused on our game, played off of our strengths and good things started to happen.
"Throughout the day, we demonstrated a lot of unselfish play and gave everything on the field. That ultimately played a big role in our success."
Freshman midfielder Seth Hanson scored two goals in the season opener for North Central, which was officially competing for the first time in school history. Sophomore midfielder Tim Dokken and sophomore attackman Jake Nelson each added a goal.