The University of Mary Washington men's lacrosse team dug an early 7-0 hole, nearly climbed out, but came up short in the 2024 season opener on Saturday night at the Battleground in both teams' season opener.

The Yellow Jackets seized control in the first, scoring three in the first seven minutes, and then reeled off three in a 55 second span late, and the Eagles fell behind, 7-0, after another score in the final seconds of the first quarter.

UMW scored three straight to start the second frame, as Ethan Castleman scored on a Henry Moag assist with 9:57 left, and Moag scored on a Castleman pass 1:14 later. Jackson Popeck made the score 7-3 with 7:26 left before halftime. After a Yellow Jackets score, Jackson Popeck cut the Margin to 8-4 with 2:06 remaining, and the score stood at 8-4 to halftime.

In the third quarter, UMW drew the margin to within 8-6, as David Votapek scored on a Moag assist at 14:44, and Ethan Castleman follwed with another at 12:01. After a RMC score, Brady Leischner scored on a Logan Cardwell assist, but the Jackets capped the third quarter scoring to lead, 10-7, after three quarters.

In the fourth, Randolph-Macon scored three straight to put the Eagles out of reach. Popeck added another with 4:43 left for the capper.

The Eagles led in shots, 40-33, as well as ground balls, 35-31. Castleman had two goals and two assists to lead the Eagle offense, while Popeck scored two. Wyatt Martin made nine saves in 45 minutes, and Riley Green two in 15 for the Eagles in goal.

UMW will return to action on Wednesday when the Eagles host Shenandoah University at 4:00 p.m.