LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Things seemed easy for the Bellarmine University lacrosse team early in their game Saturday against Mercyhurst, then not so much, then very much so. The Knights took down the Lakers 21-11 in their home opener at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium, the visitors' first game as a Division I program.
 
"This was good indicator of what we are capable of when we put the full picture together," said head coach Andrew Whitley. "We have the ability to be a very dangerous team and we are still learning and developing consistent and sustainable play. When it comes together though, there is a lot to be excited about!"
 
The Knights (1-1) rumbled out of the gates for a 5-0 lead after one quarter. Junior midfielder John Alie and freshman attack Ezra Moore each recorded a pair of goals and freshman attack Ty Washington fired in his first career score. Alie's younger brother, Joe, a freshman attack, assisted on his brother's first goal for his first career helper.
 
The second quarter, however, featured a huge momentum swing as Mercyhurst (0-1) rattled off five straight goals to even the score at 5-5 with 6:59 left in the half during a 12-minute scoring drought for Bellarmine. Ethan Tunucci, though, would get the Knights back in the scoring column with 6:13 left in the half, the first of three straight Bellarmine scores to establish an 8-5 lead. The teams each added one more score and the Knights held a 9-6 advantage at the break.
 
The scoring really opened up for Bellarmine in the third quarter as they would unleash an onslaught of 11 goals while holding the Lakers scoreless. The elder Alie recorded a hat trick in the third quarter alone as the Knights put the game out of the Lakers' reach with a 20-6 advantage.
 
The Lakers outscored the Knights 5-1 in the final period, but it would be far from enough as Bellarmine would win comfortably. It was the Knights' first 20-goal effort since winning 23-7 at Hampton on February 27 of last season.
 
John Alie led the Knights with five scores and added two assists for a game-high seven points. Moore and junior attack Michael Blaymires each recorded their first career hat tricks.
 
"Our attack is developing and evolving but when they get going, it is exciting to watch. John, Michael and Ezra combined for 15 points and there are just beginning to build real chemistry," said Whitley.
 
Joe Alie, freshman attack Leo Prosser and sophomore defender Matt Kirton each scored their first career goals along with Washington. Nick Ferge added his second career brace while Justin Wescoat added a single goal to round out the Knights scoring.
 
"Ten different goal scorers is a good sign!" said Whitley about his team's offense. "We did a nice job of sharing the ball and taking and finishing the opportunities as they occurred. We'll be just fine if we shoot the ball north of 40 percent moving forward."
 
The Knights' 21 goals came on 50 shots, good for a .420 shot percentage, their highest mark since the game against Hampton last season.
 
Graduate attack Ethan Landymore led the Lakers with four goals in their D-I debut.
 
Bellarmine won a whopping 27 of 34 faceoffs to set a new single-game team record, with Aidan Fearn leading the way going 22-for-26 (.846) for a new career high. His previous career high was 21 against Queens in 2023. He also set a program record by picking up 15 groundballs, besting Eric Rubak's 12 on March 9, 2021 against VMI.
 
"Aidan broke every individual game faceoff record we have and has gotten off to a terrific start," said Whitley about his senior faceoff specialist. "He is picking up groundballs better than he has at any point in his career and that is a good thing for Bellarmine lacrosse. The more he tilts the possession count in our favor the harder we become to play against."
 
Freshman keeper Nolan Hudnut recorded his first career win, saving eight of 13 shots on goal. Grant Crossley also recorded a save and Jack Bryant saw time in the cage.
 
"I was happy for Nolan. He responded with a workmanlike effort and is settling in as steadying force for our defense," said Whitley.
 
Bellarmine has a quick turnaround as they head to Columbus, Ohio, to face Ohio State Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET. The Knights and Buckeyes spent time as conference mates in the ECAC from 2007 to 2014.
 
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