BRIDGEWATER, Va. – The Bridgewater College men's lacrosse team fell 17-11 in its season opener at home vs. Mary Washington.

Chris Martel had five first half goals, with Eric Husselbaugh adding four goals and three assists.

Mary Washington controlled the faceoff battle, winning 21-of-32, while Bridgewater also turned it over nine times on clears.

Bridgewater was caught in a crowd after winning the game's opening faceoff but Alesandro Gargano got out of it, long pole Joey Pellegrino broke free down the field, and assisted Martel to open the scoring.

A similar situation emerged after the visitors answered- the Eagles turned it over after winning the faceoff but Mason Gauntt battled to get it back and Martel scored again for a 2-1 scoreline.

After Mary Washington took a 4-2 advantage, Husselbaugh broke the run with a solo effort through two defenders, scored a second time, and then assisted Martel's hat trick tally to put Bridgewater in the lead. A high-scoring opening period ended 7-5 after a late UMW run to close the quarter.

The visitors controlled the second period, taking a 12-6 lead with a flag down after running down the shot clock before cashing in through Kevin Cruz.

The Eagles got one back before halftime as Robbie Noyes (13 stops, five ground balls) made a save to start a counterattack. Joshua Huffman assisted Martel for the sophomore's fifth of the half, making it 12-7 UMW.

Trailing 14-9 late in the third quarter, Sam Homick scored for Bridgewater. Carson Vaeth won an extended ground ball battle on the ensuing faceoff and Husselbaugh struck with six seconds on the clock to make it 14-11.

The Eagles had a pair of great chances to make it a two-goal game early in the fourth. Husselbaugh ripped a shot off the pipe, and Bridgewater soon went on the man advantage but saw a Zach O'Bryan shot saved.

UMW scored again with a flag on the field, as J.D. Nozemack (six goals, four assists) tallied with zero on the shot clock to make it 16-11 with just over five minutes to play.

Bridgewater (0-1) will head south to face Huntingdon on Sunday evening.