MACON, Ga.--The Bellarmine Knights opened their season on the road against the Mercer Bears on Saturday. The Knights secured the 9-7 victory, marking the first season-opening win for the Knights since 2016.

Mercer opened up the scoring just seven seconds into the game with Ashton Wood taking the opening faceoff straight in for the score. Bellarmine responded late in the quarter with consecutive goals from Eric Rubak and Kyle Playsted to take a 2-1 lead heading into the second quarter.

However, the Knights wouldn't find the back of the net again the rest of the half. Mercer rallied off three consecutive goals in the second quarter to take the 4-2 lead heading into halftime.

Bellarmine opened the second half with four straight to take a 6-4 lead. The Bears responded with two of their own to make it a 6-6 game heading into the final quarter of play.

Rubak and Benny O'Rourk each found the back of the net early in the fourth and Brayden Brown scored the final goal of the game, securing the 9-7 victory for the Knights.

Rubak and Jesse Roth each tallied two goals in the win to lead the Knights. Rubak also scooped up six ground balls and recorded three caused turnovers. In cage, Ian Reilly made 10 saves and posted a .588 save percentage.

The Bears held the upper hand over the Knights in multiple categories. Mercer doubled up Bellarmine in ground balls (40-20) and outshot the Knights 31-29. Additionally, Ashton Wood went 18-for-19 at the faceoff dot for the Bears. Collin Stewart tallied two goals and two assists to lead the game with four points.

Bellarmine (1-0) will be back in action next Saturday as they welcome Utah to Owsley B. Frazier Stadium for the Knights' home opener.