Bucknell Men’s Lacrosse faced off against Mercer at their season opener at home this past Saturday, triumphing with a resounding 20-6 victory and breaking the university record for most goals scored in a season opener. 

Michael Meyer ’26 contributed an impressive six goals in the first game of his collegiate career, tying the current first-year goal-scoring record at Bucknell. This record is also held by Connor Davis ’25, who tied the record in three different games last season.

Dutch Furlong ’24 beat his personal record of ten points with four goals and six assists, working with Meyer and Davis to create great offensive energy. 

The current team record for points in a single game is twelve, set last year by alumnus Alston Tarry. 

Meyer was not the only first-year to make a significant contribution to the Bison victory. Midfielder Will Hopkins ’26 assisted the first goal of the game just 53 seconds into his Bucknell career, slotting a pass through to Davis. 

The faceoff between Bucknell and Mercer was the first Division I lacrosse game of the 2023 season, meaning the Hopkins-to-Davis goal was the very first of the 2023 season across the nation. 

Hopkins added two other assists and tacked on a goal for a total of four points. 

Rookies Patrick Reilly ’26 and Jaz Zanelli ’26 started the game at midfield and goalie respectively, with Zanelli recording nine saves on the day. 

This 14-point margin of victory was particularly impressive considering that last year, the Bison beat Mercer by just two points with a final score of 16-14.

Bucknell’s hard work in the offseason paid off, as they were ahead by three goals just 4:04 into the match and maintained their lead. 

Midfielder Ethan Gyllenhaal ’24 contributed one goal and caused a turnover. 

“We had a lot of energy going into the first game of our season and it showed on the field with our fast start and contributions from everyone all over the field,” Gyllenhaal said. 

Bucknell recorded 46 shots, overshadowing Mercer’s 24, and held much more of the possession. 

The Bison men look ahead to their next matchup, again at Christy Mathewson, Saturday Feb. 11 at 3:00 p.m.