MERCER COUNTY, N.J. – Behind a career-high four points from Zaheim Wilkins (Mastic Beach, N.Y.) (3g, 1a), the Albertus Magnus College men's lacrosse team started the season 2-0 for the first time in program history with a 7-5 road victory over Cairn University on Saturday.

THE BASICS
FINAL: Albertus Magnus 7 | Cairn 5
RECORDS: Albertus Magnus (2-0) | Cairn (0-1)
BOX SCORE

HOW IT HAPPENED
Wilkins opened the game's scoring 3:10 into the contest to give Albertus an early 1-0 lead. The junior midfield set up on the right of the zone, before shaking one defender and firing a shot by the opposing keeper.

The Falcons went up 2-0 1:11 later on a strike from Derek Ralston (Guilford, Conn.). Ralston cashed in on a beautiful pass from Andrew Ten (Trumbull, Conn.), burying a low shot to the bottom left corner.

Following a goal by Cairn, AMC rebuilt its advantage to two, 3-1, with a goal by Shane Kelly (Madison, Conn.). Ralston fed Kelly a quick pass on a clear attempt that he sent over the goalie's left-hand shoulder.

The Highlanders got off to a quick start in the second quarter, tying the game at 3-3 with two unanswered goals.

Albertus answered the home team's run with three straight goals to go ahead 6-3. Cody Walczak (Higganun, Conn.) scored first off a pass from Wilkins. Wilkins continued his great day by scoring on the man-up with 3:56 left in the half. Just 10 seconds later, Andrew Luzzi (East Haven, Conn.) netted a goal off a face-off to send the visitors into the break ahead 6-3.

The Falcons scored the second half's first goal, building their lead to 7-3 6:26 into the frame. Wilkins charged to the crease after snagging a wide shot out of the air and scored before the opposing keeper could get set.

After an exciting first three quarters, the game settled down in during the fourth, as both teams combined to score only one goal. The Highlanders netted the only goal, but it proved not to be enough, as the Falcons held on to secure a 7-5 victory.

In cage for Albertus, Dane Walsh (Bethany, Conn.) made 15 saves on 20 shots to improve to 2-0 on the season.

BETWEEN THE PIPES
Albertus - Dane Walsh (W, 2-0): 5 Goals-Against | 15 Saves | 20 Shots on Goal
Cairn - Harrison Clark (L, 0-1): 6 Goals-Against | 9 Saves | 15 Shots on Goal | 30:00
Nico Cione: 1 Goal-Against | 6 Saves | 7 Shots on Goal | 30:00

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Cairn owned a 41-36 advantage in shots tonight.
• Albertus forced 38 turnovers tonight while committing 36.
• The Falcons won 7-of-15 face-offs.
• AMC held a 42-40 lead in ground balls.
• Albertus scored the only man-up goal of the game.
• Wilkins and Walczak finished tied with a team-leading eight shots.

Albertus:
Zaheim Wilkins: 3 goals | 1 assist | 6 shots on goal | 1 ground ball | 1 caused turnover
Derek Ralston: 1 goal | 1 assist | 1 ground ball
Andrew Ten: 2 assists | 2 ground balls

Cairn:
Jonathan Balsamo: 3 goals | 4 ground balls | 2 caused turnovers| 7 shots on goal

NOTEWORTHY

• Today's game is the first-ever meeting between the Falcons and Highlanders.
• Albertus starts the season 2-0 for the first time in program history.
• AMC's two road wins this year tie a season-best mark.
• Wilkins tallied a career-high with four points.
• Wilkins' three goals tied a career-high for the junior.
• Walsh improved to 2-0 in goal on the season.
• Ten has tallied multiple points in both games this year.
• Ralston recorded his third career multi-point game.
• Junior Jack Ferrio (Fairfield, Conn.) collected a career-high nine ground balls. 
• Andrew Luzzi (East Haven, Conn.) picked up a career-best 10 ground balls. 

UP NEXT
The men's lacrosse team will remain on the road to play SUNY Purchase in non-conference action on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m.