MEQUON, Wis. – The Calvin men's lacrosse team spoiled the Sabres inaugural game in their home state of Wisconsin with an 8-7 victory. The Knights picked up their first victory of the year and send Marian to 0-5 on the year.

"The guys have been working hard the past couple of weeks at improving," said Calvin head coach Dave Hoger. "Not only their physical abilities, but also their mental game. It was nice to get the first positive result this season and we're looking forward to continuing the process to get better."

Sophomore Griffin Sparling (Novi, Mich./Novi) started the scoring on a man advantage in the first quarter.

Marian struck back with a goal to even things up after the first quarter. The Black and Blue took the lead early in the second quarter. That would mark the final time the Sabres led on Thursday.

Sparling struck again to tie the game at two.

Freshman Jacob Gandara (Santa Clarita, Calif./West Ranch) gave the Knights the lead with a goal, with freshman Joe Son (Aldie, Va./John Champe) getting the assist.

The Maroon and Gold outscored Marian 3-0 in the third quarter. The Knights tallied goals from freshman Noah Boelens (Round Lake, Ill./Grayslake Central), Griffin Sparling and Jacob Gandara.

After an early Marian goal, Calvin responded with goals from Joe Son and senior Michael Winkler (La Quinta, Calif./Palm Desert).

The Sabres threatened with a 4-0 run to end the game.

Junior Max Foster (Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Brother Rice) led the game with nine shots.

Freshman Nathan Jindra (Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Brother Rice) picked up a team-high four ground balls.

Senior Ethan Brown (Falmouth, Maine/Falmouth) finished with a game-high four caused turnovers.

The Knights outshot Marian on Thursday, 48-27.

Freshman Mitchell Wong (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) recorded nine saves in the victory.

Calvin returns to action on Saturday at Northland.