GREENVILLE, Pa. -- Freshman Austin Andryshak (Horseheads, NY, Horseheads) scored four goals in his college debut as the Houghton men's lacrosse team fell to Thiel College 18-7 in their season opener Saturday on the road.

The Tomcats scored twice in the game's first four minutes before Paul Chapman (Kemptville, ON, Canada, North Grenville District) got the Highlanders on the board at the 9:59 mark of the first quarter. Thiel spread four goals over the last five minutes of the first quarter and first five minutes of the second quarter to take a 6-1 lead. Andryshak then scored twice to pull Houghton to within 6-3, but the Tomcats scored three times over the final four minutes of the second quarter to take a 9-3 into the break.

The Tomcats outshot the Highlanders 32-10 over the first 30 minutes.Sophomore transfer Christopher Bucciarelli (Horseheads, NY, Horseheads) made 14 first half saves.

After Andryshak scored to start the third quarter, the hosts scored five times over the first 10 minutes of the second half to put the game away. The Highlanders were able to get a goal from Cole Chapman (Kemptville, ON, Canada, North Grenville District) and the fourth from Andryshak in the third quarter. Paul Chapman scored the Highlanders' final goal in the fourth quarter. The Tomcats scored three times in the fourth.

FInal shots were 52-32 in favor of the Tomcats. Groundballs were fairly even at 42-37 with the edge to Thiel.

Bucciarelli finished with 20 saves in his first game as a Highlanders.

Nathan Moore (Kane, PA, Kane) had a strong performance in the faceoff circle, winning 16-of-27 and gathering 11 groundballs.

Houghton (0-1) travels to Alfred State for their next contest on Wednesday, March 9 at 4 p.m.