Oberlin, Ohio – Kicking off their 2025 campaign in the best way possible, the Oberlin College men's lacrosse team cruised past Chatham on Saturday afternoon. In a 17-2 stomping that featured goals from four rookies, the Yeomen improve to 1-0.
 
Leading the attack, first-year Nicholas Cuda accounted for five points with three goals and a pair of assists. Christian Tacogue put away a team-high four goals, while Solomon Brennan and Jacob Starcke added two goals each. In the circle, transfer sophomore Evan Sardina dominated the face off, winning 16-19 today. The specialist was helped by Thinley Edwards, who won 3-4 of his takes.
 
Manning goal, Jake Pillsbury made nine saves through a complete 60 minutes. At his side, Colin Taylor and Jonas Taylor-Lillquist led a defense that held the Cougars to just a pair of goals. Furthermore, after giving up Chatham's second goal at 11:13 in the first quarter, the Crimson and Gold held their visitors scoreless for the next 48:47.
 
Of note, Cuda also led the team in caused turnovers, with four, while classmate Cooper Rand added another three.
 
True freshman Cooper Zancoscky got the Yeomen's season started with their first goal at 13:34. After Oberlin let in two-straight goals from the Cougars, Brennan notched his first score to tie the game. It was all Oberlin from there out, highlighted by a FOGO goal from Sardina off a mad dash from the face off.
 
Up 2-4, the Yeomen spared no effort to extend their lead in the second quarter. After Chris Totonis caused a turnover on defense, the Yeomen looked to Asher Friedman to capitalize on the miscue. After Friedman added his first goal of the year, Sam Ryu got in on the action with a score off a pass from Joe Chai.
 
The Yeomen didn't slow down in the second half, gaining momentum behind Tacogue's three goals in the period. Cuda put the Yeomen up double-digits with a streaker at 3:33. Even with the game drawing to a close, Oberlin continued to pick up speed with their first long-pole-goal of the year. Coming off the good defense of Chai, Taylor broke downfield for a wide-open shot against Chatham. Putting the ball right in the back of the net, the Oberlin sideline erupted behind a 14-2 lead.
 
Oberlin scored three more insurance goals before the final whistle, securing the team's first win of the season, and their eighth-straight season-opening victory.
 
"It was a great team effort; our underclassmen came to play and it's a great way to start the season," Head Coach Ryan Polak continues, "I'm looking forward to our next opportunity to compete."
 
Oberlin hits the road for their next game when they head east to Pennsylvania on Wednesday, February 26. Taking on Westminster, the Yeomen are set to begin at 5 p.m.
 
Fans can keep up with their favorite teams on Instagram, Facebook, X, or TikTok, and watch all the home matches live online. The Crimson and Gold's home broadcasts can be accessed on TV through the official Oberlin College Sports Network app on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.