GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - The Colorado State University Pueblo men's lacrosse dropped their season opener on Saturday, falling 9-7 at Tusculum University.
 
The Pack's season got off to a hot start, as Chris Easley scored 4 and a half minutes into the first period to record the first goal of the season. Just one minute later Lane Lessley scored another goal, assisted by Logan Naves to extend the Pack lead to 2-0 with 9:11 remaining in the first.
 
The ThunderWolves surrendered their first goal five minutes later, but were able to respond quickly as Ian Noonanassisted on a pair of goals scored by Trevor Thompson, and Naves. The Pack took a 4-1 lead heading into the second period.
 
The Pack offense was stalled in the second quarter however, and Tusculum took advantage of a penalty, as they scored three unanswered goals. The tight contest saw a 4-4 tie heading into the second half.
 
Tusculum's scoring barrage continued to begin the second half, scoring three in a row to lead the Pack 7-4 with 10:57 remaining in the third period. The ThunderWolves wouldn't go down quietly however, as Kaleb Mantai scored his first goal of the young season, assisted by Naves once again.
 
Lessley notched his second of the game, with another assist by Noonan to pull the Pack within one goal with 4:27 in the third. Kevin Gallagher was able to draw CSU Pueblo even, assisted once again by Naves. The Pack played a solid third quarter, to head into the final period in a tied game. 
 
The ThunderWolves' offense went cold in the fourth quarter, being held scoreless. Tusculum was able to push through a pair of goals to close out the game, the final score being 7-9.
 
The ThunderWolves were able to win the face off battle, 10-8, thanks to Bryce Campbell who went 9-17 individually. The shots on goal were nearly even, with the Pack having 17 to Tusculum's 18. Naves and Noonan were able to lead the Pack in points, with 4 and 3 respectively. Lessley led the way for the Pack on the scoreboard with 2 goals.
 
The loss drops the ThunderWolves to 0-1 on the young season. The Pack will be back in action next Friday when they travel to play another nonconference game against Rockhurst in Kansas City, Missouri at 4 p.m. MST.