GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Calvin opened its 2021 campaign with a 12-6 victory over Kalamazoo Saturday afternoon at Eagles Stadium on the campus of Grand Rapids Christian High School.

After leading 5-2 at halftime, the Knights took control of the game with a five-goal third period to take a 10-5 lead heading into the final quarter of play. Calvin stretched its lead to 12-5 in the fourth quarter before the Hornets scored a late goal in the closing seconds.

Junior Drew Stoneburner (Wheaton, Il./Wheaton North HS) had a monster game with five goals and three assists. Senior Nathan Jindra (South Bend, Ind./John Adams HS) had three goals and an assist. The Knights received single goals from sophomore Ethan Curtis (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Northern HS), junior Chase Sparling (Novi, Mich./Novi HS), sophomore Robert Miner (Littleton, Co./Columbine HS) and junior Nick Dueweke (Clarkston, Mich./Notre Dame Prep). Dueweke and senior Noah Boelens (Round Lake, Il./Grayslake Central HS) had a pair of assists. Junior Jake Boender (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) was also credited with an assist.

Sparling had a game-high six ground balls while senior Joshua Horstman (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian HS) was close behind with five. Sparling won 10 of 18 faceoff opportunities. Junior Evan Griffin (Howell, Mich./Hartland HS) went the first 53:24 and chalked up 15 saves. Freshman Corgan Schaumburg (Rockton, Il./Hononegah HS) came on in the final minutes to collect a pair of saves.

Calvin outshot Kalamazoo 37-31.

COACHES COMMENT: "Today was a great team win," said Calvin men's lacrosse head coach Dave Hoger. "The guys really rallied around each other and played at high level considering it's been a year since we've had a competitive game. We had great goalie play, great communication on defense and made good decisions with the ball on offense. We are excited to clean some things up and get back to work next week."

NEXT UP: Calvin will host rival Hope next Saturday in a non-conference game at Eagles Stadium at 3 p.m.