Marquette Tops Air Force Lacrosse in Season Opener, 12-6

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. – Air Force fell to Marquette, 12-6, in the 2024 season opener in the Academy's Holaday Athletic Center, Saturday afternoon.

Five Falcons accounted for the six AF goals, led by sophomore Caelan Driggs' two goals on three shots— assisted by senior team captain Chris Bardak and Cole Rassas. Kyle Griffith was the first Falcon to strike in the first quarter, assisted by freshman Mana Wilhelm in his first collegiate point.

Junior Falcon Josh Yago, who led the Falcons with six shots, was the first to net rubber in the third quarter for his 16^th career goal. Sophomore Cole Rassas followed Yago's example and netted the second goal of his career. Turner Ashby, one-of-four freshman to record a stat and the only freshman to start, assisted on both goals. Ashby made sure to get his, notching his first collegiate goal 90 seconds into the fourth quarter with Yago returning the favor on the assist.

Senior team captains and preseason All-ASUN selections Aidan Tolen and Chris Bardak alongside Griffith and Wilhelm attempted four shots apiece. The Golden Eagles outshot the Falcons, 40-36.

Defensively, Air Force caused 12 of Marquette's 16 turnovers, led by Bardak with two to his credit. Wes Peene, Cody Gross, James Chastain, Daniel Enoch, Quinn Richards, Cole Cunningham, Jake Knapp, Matt Rosato and Kyle Griffith notched a CTO each.

In goal, senior keeper Quinn Richards made 11 saves and picked up five ground balls. At the face off X, Knapp took the lion's share of attempts, winning 6-of-16 attempts. Marquette controlled the face off, winning 16-of-22 attempts.

The Golden Eagles had four players account for 12 goals— three of which with hat tricks. Bobby O'Grady, Devon Cown, and Jake Stegman scored three each with Carsen Brandt scoring two. Cowan took a game-high 11 shots. Marquette keeper Caleb Creasor made 12 saves in his season debut.

Next up, the Falcons travel North to take on in-state rival Denver University. Pioneer coaching veteran Matt Brown has taken the reigns from legendary coach Bill Tierney. Brown has been with the Denver staff since 2007. Last season, the Falcons toppled DU, 12-10, handing coach Tierney his first-ever loss to Air Force.

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