Oberlin, Ohio – Locked in a nail-biting showdown, the Oberlin College men's lacrosse team stormed past Trine on Saturday afternoon. Following the victory, the Yeomen improve to 3-0 on the year. 

"[It was] a good battle and exciting game, glad to see the team stick with it and get it done," Head Coach Ryan Polak adds on his team's effort. "[There is] a lot to improve upon as we enter six straight away games." 

The Oberlin attack was led by Nicholas Cuda, who registered a career-high five goals and an assist, including a trio of goals in the second quarter. Jacob Starcke recorded a pair of goals and an assist, while Jack Duffy, Colin Taylor, and Andrew Rosa also scored in the victory. Contributing to the offensive efforts, Ryan Loughlin, Solomon Brennan, Asher Friedman, and Thinley Edwards each added an assist. 

Sophomore Nolan Grieshaber returned to the net, notching six saves and surrendering nine goals. Evan Sardina commanded the face-off, going 9-17 and delivering eight ground balls. Will Kohl and Cooper Rand followed with six ground balls apiece, while Rand produced two caused turnovers. Colin Taylor posted a team-high three caused turnovers, while David Belisle added a set of caused turnovers. 

Trine got on the board just under four minutes into the game, but the Yeomen immediately responded, winning the face-off as Cuda scored his first goal at 10:36. Winning the face-off and drawing a penalty, the Thunder posted a man-up goal to get back on top. With 3:42 remaining in the opening period, Jacob Starcke directed the ball to Jack Duffy, who found the back of the net to level the match. 

The Thunder opened the second frame with a goal on their first possession, winning the face-off on a violation. Cuda added another goal to even the score and followed with a pair of goals to clinch the lead for Oberlin. Trine added a goal just a minute later and won the following face-off behind the restraining line. 

On the Thunder's clear attempt, Taylor caused the turnover and picked up the ground ball, charging it down the field. Kohl attempted a shot as Trine's goalkeeper made the stop. Picking up the loose ball, Taylor launched the ball to the back of the net to score his first goal of the season. Oberlin nearly replicated a minute later, as Cuda caused the Thunder turnover on their clear, allowing for Starcke to find the back of the net. 

Rosa and Cuda extended the Crimson and Gold's lead to 9-4 in the third quarter while Trine added a goal of their own. In the fourth, the Thunders added a trio of goals to reduce their deficit to one with just over seven minutes remaining in regulation. With the pressure of Trine on their heels, Edwards stepped up to the face-off, winning the possession to quickly connect with Starcke, sending the ball into the cage. 

Just under a minute remaining in the match, the Thunder added a goal to come within one. Edwards won the following face-off as Oberlin held on to the narrow lead to secure the 10-9 victory. 

Hitting the road for a month, the Yeomen will take on Baldwin Wallace on Wednesday, March 4. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Keep up with the Crimson and Gold on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and watch every home game on the Oberlin Sports Network online or on Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV.