WAUKESHA, Wis. - For just the first time in the 11-year history of the Carroll University Men's Lacrosse program the Pioneers have started their season 2-0, defeating Lawrence University by a score of 9-8 on Wednesday night. The Pios outscored the Vikings 4-1 in the second period to take a 6-3 lead at halftime, before hanging on for a 9-8 victory. Carroll (2-0) also held a slight 39-36 shot advantage on the day.

Lawrence (0-2) didn't waste much time getting on the board, as they found the back of the net just over four minutes into the game. Less than one minute later, the Pios responded, as Ethan Phillips scored his second goal of the season, assisted by Cole Phillips. Both teams scored once more to end the first period in a 2-2 deadlock. The second period proved pivotal, as Nick White scored 2 goals, and Ethan Phillips and Declan McMahon chipped in one each to help Carroll outscore Lawrence 4-1 in the second frame.

Two more goals, one each from Brady Mollsen and Brady Conwell (assisted by Anthony Defillippis), gave Carroll an 8-5 lead after three. The only Pioneer goal of the fourth period came from Mollsen, on the assist from McMahon. The last 10 minutes were an offensive onslaught from the Vikings, scoring three goals to pull within one of the Pioneers. The Carroll defense managed to hang on, escaping with a 9-8 victory to continue the young season with an unscathed record.

Carroll Goal Keeper Jake Gehl played all 60 minutes between the pipes, saving 10 shots to earn the win. His counterpart, Gavin Reiter, made 16 saves for Lawrence, while also playing the entire game.

The Pioneers will try to remain undefeated on the season Saturday when they'll travel to Marian University. That game will begin at 3 p.m. in Fond du Lac, Wis.