ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. — Junior Gavin McKay erupted for a career-high four goals and one assist to propel the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s lacrosse team to a commanding 12-7 non-conference season-opening victory over host Elizabethtown College on February 10, 2026, at Wolf Field.
The Seahawks, now 1-0, jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter behind McKay’s goal and assist plus two tallies from senior captain Joshua Martel. Elizabethtown slipped one past in the final 10 seconds of the period. The Blue Jays cut the deficit to one early in the second, but junior Declan Horton and McKay answered with goals to rebuild a three-goal cushion by the 8:11 mark. Elizabethtown responded with two quick scores to narrow it to one at 4:51, yet Horton sealed the halftime edge at 6-4 with his second unassisted goal.
St. Mary’s exploded in the third quarter, outscoring Elizabethtown 5-2 to seize an 11-6 advantage heading into the fourth. Sophomore attackman Owen Wynot ignited a 4-0 run with two goals, showcasing the visitors’ depth and offensive firepower.
The Seahawks dominated key statistical battles, winning 12-of-21 face-offs led by senior Matteo Ciccarello, who also grabbed four ground balls. Their man-down unit stood strong, killing all five extra-man opportunities for Elizabethtown. St. Mary’s held a 34-31 edge in ground balls and outshot the hosts 35-26.
McKay finished with five points on his career-best performance. Horton and Wynot each added two goals and one assist. Seniors Garrett Brodfuehrer and Joe Szymanski anchored the defense with five ground balls and two caused turnovers apiece—marking a career high for Brodfuehrer in ground balls. Sophomore goalie Ty Spencer earned his first career win and start with 11 saves.
For Elizabethtown (0-2), Reese Levinson led with two goals, Logan Rolles won 10 face-offs, and goalie Ben Zaitz made 12 stops.
The win highlights St. Mary’s balanced attack and defensive resilience in their Division III opener, with local talent from Southern Maryland contributing significantly. McKay (Ijamsville, Md./Urbana), Martel (Linthicum, Md./North County), Ciccarello (Crofton, Md./Arundel), Brodfuehrer (Lexington Park, Md./St. Mary’s Ryken), and others delivered standout efforts to set a strong tone early in the schedule.
This result positions the Seahawks favorably as they build momentum in a competitive non-conference slate before United East Conference play. The program’s emphasis on player development shone through in the multi-goal contributions and solid face-off and ground ball work.
St. Mary’s next travels to face No. 14 Lynchburg on February 14 at 3 p.m. at Shellenberger Field in Lynchburg, Virginia, aiming to carry the opening momentum into a tough road test.
The victory adds to Southern Maryland’s collegiate athletics narrative, where St. Mary’s College continues to produce competitive teams featuring regional recruits who excel at the Division III level.