ANGOLA, Ind. – Calvin rolled a 17-5 victory at previously unbeaten Trine University Wednesday night. The victory was Calvin's first in conference play and allowed the Knights to improve to 6-7 overall on the season.

Calvin took control from the outset, scoring seven goals in the first quarter including three in the opening two minutes. Sophomore Thomas Smith (Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich./Grosse Pointe South HS) had three goals in the opening quarter while sophomore Cole McKenney (Mission Viejo, Calif. Trabuco Hills) had a pair of goals.

The Knights outscored the Thunder 6-2 in the second quarter to lead 13-2 at the break.

Calvin cruised through the second half to gain the all-important conference victory.

Senior Chase Sparling (Novi, Mich./Novi HS) had a big game for the Knights with three goals, three assists and two ground balls. Smith had four goals and two ground balls while McKenney had three goals and an assist. Senior Josh Newhouse (Grand Junction, Colo. Palisade) was super with three goals, two assists and a ground ball. Sophomore Christian Coler had a goal and two assists.

Three Calvin goaltenders combined on the win for the Knights. Junior Corgan Schaumburg (Rockton, Ill. Hononegah) had three saves with sophomore Carter Sherman (Ada, Mich./Lowell HS) and freshman Soren Thiemann (Plano, Tx./Plano Senior HS) also combining for four saves.

COACHES COMMENT: "It was a great team win tonight," said Calvin head men's lacrosse coach Dave Hoger. "The guys knew the stakes and knew we were on the road against a good team. We've been talking all week about this being the most important week of the season and it was a great way to start."

NEXT UP: Calvin will host Adrian on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Eagles Stadium in a key conference contest.