WAUKESHA, Wis. - For just the second time in the 11-year history of the Carroll University Men's Lacrosse program, and first since 2017, the Pioneers have won their season-opener. The Pios took a 5-0 lead into the fourth quarter on Saturday, before hanging on for a 7-5 victory against Cornell (Iowa) College. Carroll also held a 45-30 shot advantage on the day.

Carroll (1-0) didn't waste much time getting on the board, as Nick White scored the season's first goal just four minutes into the game, with the assist credited to Brady Conwell. Less than one minute later, the Pios found the back of the net once more, as Brady Mollsen scored to double their lead. Mollsen added another goal early in the second period on an assist from Conwell, who would add his third assist of the contest later in the quarter on a goal by Ethan Phillips, giving Carroll a 4-0 lead at the half.

The third quarter was a defensive battle, with the intensity rising on both teams. The only goal of that period came from Zachary Szuba, on yet another assist from Conwell. Entering the final quarter trailing 5-0, Cornell added two quick goals in the opening minute, while adding two more just minutes later to cut Carroll's lead to one. The Pios would keep battling however, with Phillips adding two more goals later in the quarter to complete a hat trick for what proved to be the difference in the game. Cornell added another goal in the final minutes, but it was not enough to overtake the Pioneers.

Carroll Goal Keeper Jake Gehl played all 60 minutes between the pipes, saving six shots to earn the win. His counterpart, Thomas Cook, made 12 saves for Cornell, while also playing the entire game.

The Pioneers will try to remain undefeated on the season Wednesday when they'll host Lawrence University. That game will begin at 7 p.m. at Schneider Stadium in Waukesha, Wis.