ROCK ISLAND, Il. – Calvin used a second half surge to power its way to a season-opening 23-11 victory at Augustana College Saturday afternoon.

After pulling into an 8-6 halftime lead, the Knights outscored the host Vikings 6-2 in the third quarter and then raced out to a 9-3 fourth quarter showing to run away with the win.

Augustana led 4-2 early but late first quarter goals by Christian Coler (Ionia, N.Y./Honeyoye Falls-Lima HS) and Robert Miner (Littleton, Co./Columbine HS) tied the score with the Miner score coming with a man advantage.

Augustana took a 5-4 lead in the opening moments of the second quarter but Calvin came back with three unanswered goals and never trailed again. A goal by Cole McKenney with a man advantage in the final minutes of the quarter gave the Knights an 8-6 halftime lead.

Calvin broke the game open with three goals in the final 2:16 of the third quarter to build a six-goal lead. Calvin then scored seven goals in the opening eight minutes of the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Coler led Calvin with four goals and an assist. Senior Chase Sparling (Novi, Mich./Novi HS) had a big day with two goals, two assists, four ground balls and two faceoff wins. Cole McKenney (Mission Viejo, Ca./Trabuco Hills HS) had three goals, two assists and a pair of ground balls. Chuck McKenney (Mission Viejo, Ca./Trabuco Hills HS) had one goal.

Nick Griffith (Geneva, Fla./Oviedo HS) had two goals.  Miner had three goals and two ground balls. Justin Riddle (West Chicago, Il./Wheaton Academy) had a goal and an assist. Josh Newhouse (Grand Junction, Co./Palisade HS) had two goals and three assists. Ryan Westra (Pequannock, NJ/Eastern Christian HS) had a goal.

Corgan Schaumburg (Rockton, Il,./Honoegah HS) went the distance in goal and had 12 saves. Calvin held a 36-23 shots at goal advantage.

COACHES COMMENT: "It's always good to get the first one and beat a talented team on the road," said Calvin head men's lacrosse coach Dave Hoger. "We battled through adversity early on and our leaders stepped up in a big way. We have a lot of work ahead of us and things to get better at, but it was a great way to start the season."

NEXT UP: Calvin will host Illinois Institute of Technology Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Eagles Stadium on the campus of Grand Rapids Christian High School.