HAVERFORD, Pa. - The Haverford College men's lacrosse team (3-0) secured a decisive 11-2 victory over Catholic University of America (0-2) on Saturday at Swan Field in non-conference action. The game featured a strong defensive performance by the Fords, highlighted by 19 saves from sophomore Mac Broaddus.

Offensively, Philip Passalaqua led the charge with three goals, including the game-winner, and seven shots on goal. Reid Tietjen contributed significantly with two goals and two assists while registering 10 shots. Rookie Blake Donnellan was precise with his efforts, converting all three of his shot attempts into goals. In goal, Broaddus anchored the defense with 19 saves on 34 shots faced.

Haverford turned in a competitive effort at the faceoff X, finishing 7-for-16 as a team compared to Catholic's 9-for-16 mark. Max Esteban took the majority of the draws, going 5-for-13 with three ground balls, while Chris O'Connor was efficient in limited opportunities, winning both of his attempts and collecting one ground ball.

Despite the slight deficit in faceoff wins, the Fords controlled possession in other areas, highlighted by a decisive 46-25 advantage in ground balls and fewer turnovers (17-22). Haverford also excelled on clears, converting 25-of-28 attempts compared to Catholic's 19-of-30, helping maintain control throughout the victory.

Colton Manorek stood out for the Cardinals with 20 saves, demonstrating his crucial role in goal despite a Haverford onslaught. Cullen Lotz made an impact offensively with one goal on four shots, while Alejandro Masferrer capitalized on his opportunities, scoring once on his only shot on goal. Connor Baia led Catholic at the faceoff X, winning six of 10 attempts, while Jack Suchanek went 3-for-6.

The contest began with Haverford taking an early advantage as Charlie Vaccaro scored the opening goal off a Tietjen assist at 14:00. Donnellan extended the lead to 2-0 with another assist from Tietjen at 12:59. Haverford maintained its momentum, with Passalaqua finding the net with 43 seconds remaining in the quarter off a Nick Snyder assist to make it 3-0 after one.

Catholic got on the board early in the second quarter with Lotz scoring at 13:11, but Haverford responded as Tietjen found the net at 7:26 to restore a three-goal advantage.

Broaddus was pivotal in goal during the period, making several key saves to turn the Cardinals away as Haverford carried a 4-1 lead into halftime.

Haverford pulled away in the third quarter, beginning with Passalaqua's goal at 13:10 off an assist from Turner Elliott. Seamus McNally followed with a goal at 10:14 before Tietjen added another at 6:03. Broaddus continued to play a key role defensively, consistently denying the visitors any designs on getting back into the contest as Haverford built a 7-2 lead heading into the final quarter.

Haverford dominated the fourth quarter, extending its lead with a series of succesful scoring plays. Passalaqua opened the scoring with a goal at 12:09 off a Vaccaro assist, and Donnellan followed with another goal at 11:09. Will Weinstein added a goal at 3:12 off an Elliott assist before Donnellan capped the scoring with a goal in the final seconds.

With a 3-0 record in hand to begin the season, Haverford will host Penn College on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Swan Field looking to continue its unblemished start. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will be the second contest of a doubleheader with the women's team taking on Widener in the season opener at 4 p.m.