YORK, Pa. - The ninth-ranked York College men's lacrosse team opened the highly anticipated 2021 season with a dominant 19-3 victory over Wilkes on Saturday afternoon at Kinsley Field. York had 16 different players record a point on the day as the Spartans posted their second-largest margin of victory in a season-opener in program history.

How it happened:

The Spartans (1-0) came out fast and furious, out-scoring the Colonels (0-1) 9-0 in the first quarter with a staggering 24-0 shot advantage. Will Harnick led the charge offensively as he tallied all four of his goals in the opening frame, including bookend tallies to start and end the period. Vinny Facciponti helped keep the momentum rolling in York's favor as he won eight of 10 faceoffs in the first quarter.

The second quarter unfolded much the same as the first as the York offense continued to roll, tacking on five more tallies, including a pair by Gavin Dembeck to end the first half. The Spartan defense stifled the Wilkes attack as they held the Colonels to just one shot attempt through the first 30 minutes of play while also posting nine caused turnovers.

Head coach Brandon Childs continued to shuffle and roll through his lines in the second half to get his guys valuable game experience. Ames Clark, Nick Lilly and Ethan Locker capitalized on their second half opportunities as they each tallied their first goals of the season. Backup netminder Ian Callinan also saw action between the pipes, making three saves in just his second career appearance.

Up next:

The Spartans take to the road Saturday, March 13 with a trip to King's for another non-conference MAC crossover matchup. Opening faceoff is slated for 1 p.m. in Wilkes-Barre.

Notes:

The Spartans are now 9-1 in season openers and 9-1 in home openers under head coach Brandon Childs … the Spartans extend their win streak to six in season-opening games … York is now 15-1 in home openers dating back to 2006 … the Spartans are now 1-0 in the all-time series with the Colonels following today's inaugural matchup between the two programs … the Spartans tallied the second-most goals and second-largest margin of victory in a season opener since defeating Alvernia 25-1 to open the season on February 28, 2004 … Will Harnick established a new career high for goals with his four tallies on the day … Jarrod Marenger tied his career-highs for points (3) and assists (2) on the day … Ethan Greene set career-highs for caused turnovers (3), ground balls (3), while also scoring his first-career goal.