BOSTON, Mass. – The Bates College men's lacrosse team continued its scorching start to the 2025 season with a commanding 18-4 victory over Emerson College on Wednesday night at Rotch Field.
The Bobcats' dominant performance propelled them to their first 2-0 start since 2017, while their 18-goal outburst marked the program's highest-scoring effort and largest margin of victory since a 24-2 rout of Maine Maritime Academy on March 28, 2023.
Through two games, Bates has outscored its opponents by a 32-13 margin, showcasing the garnet and white's offensive firepower and defensive prowess.
Bates wasted no time setting the tone, outshooting the Lions 21-1 in the opening quarter. The relentless attack resulted in three first-period goals, beginning with Riley McClure's strike at 10:53 (assisted by Morgan Ruppenstein). Gray Doyle followed at 8:01 off a feed from Jack Goldbach, and Connor Hartman capped the frame with an unassisted tally at 2:42.
The second quarter saw the Bobcats seize complete control, responding to Emerson's lone goal with six unanswered scores. Liam Rule found the net at 13:36, McClure buried his second of the night at 11:43, and Jake Anastas struck just 45 seconds later to push the lead to 6-1. Denzel Evans (3:54), Ben Miller (3:47), and Hartman (1:25, man-up) closed out the half, giving Bates a commanding 9-1 lead at the break.
Bates showed no signs of slowing down in the third quarter, scoring seven more goals while holding Emerson (1-3) scoreless. McClure completed his hat trick at 13:45 before Evans (11:13) and Hartman (9:43) each added their second goals. Goldbach capitalized on a man-up opportunity at 8:21, and Ruppenstein (6:54), Javi Werner (4:15), and Andrew Sullivan (1:14) each found the back of the net as the Bobcats extended their advantage to 16-1.
Emerson put together a brief offensive push in the fourth, but Dane Jones (7:29) and Luke Breen (3:46) added goals for Bates to keep the margin secure. The Lions managed to net three late goals, but the result was never in doubt as the Bobcats cruised to the triumph.
Bates controlled every statistical category, collecting a 65-16 shot column surplus and securing the ground ball battle, 50-18. Faceoff specialist Miles Schmidt led a suffocating effort, winning 12-of-13 draws, as the Bobcats held a staggering 21-4 advantage at the X.
Goldbach fueled the offense with four assists, while McClure (3G, 2A) and Hartman (3G) paced the attack. Starting goalkeeper Andrew Toland in 37 minutes of action (36:39) recorded three saves to move to 2-0 on the year in net.
Bates looks to continue their hot start when they open NESCAC play this Saturday vs. Hamilton. The 1:00 p.m. tilt will mark the home opener for the Bobcats.
