BEVERLY HILLS, Mich. – The Otterbein men's lacrosse team opened its season with a nice revenge victory Saturday afternoon, using a quick start and strong defensive effort to take down Albion College 13-7. The Cards avenged a narrow loss last season to the Britons, who escaped with a 9-8 triple overtime thriller at Memorial Stadium.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Otterbein wasted no time taking control, outscoring the Britons 6-0 in the first quarter and ultimately opening the game on an 8-0 run. The run was highlighted by three goals from senior Jake Grundey, including two man-up scores.
   
• The Cardinal defense remained stingy, allowing just three goals through three quarters in building a nine-score advantage.
   
• Albion (0-2) had a three-goal run that crossed over into the fourth quarter, but a goal from freshman Travis Barr stopped the momentum at the 9:17 mark. Otterbein's lead would be too much.

 
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Otterbein wins its season opener for the first time since 2013 when it blew out Bethany. The Cards had typically begun with a nationally-renown Ohio Wesleyan program the past five years.
   
• Senior Joe Sanfillipo kicked off his senior season with a game-high six points, coming on three goals and three helpers. Grundey led all players with four goals.
   
• A balanced Cardinal lineup received goals from eight different players, while Mike Roman dominated the middle by winning 17 of 21 faceoffs.
   
• Otterbein was successful on all 16 clear attempts and posted a 43-24 shot margin. Three Albion goalies combined to make 16 saves as a result.
   
• Sophomore goalie Zachary Groene got the starting nod for Otterbein and performed well, stopping six shots in playing all but one minute while serving a penalty.

 
UP NEXT:

Otterbein will play a rescheduled game with nearby Ohio Wesleyan after the initial date was cancelled due to unplayable field conditions. The teams will square off Tuesday in Delaware.