RICHMOND, Ind. - The William Peace University men's lacrosse team opened the 2026 season with a 10 to 4 road victory over Earlham on Thursday afternoon, improving to 1 and 0 overall.

The Pacers set the tone early, scoring four goals in the opening quarter to take control. Brandon Goad netted the first goal of the season, and Connor Barnes, William English, and Tyler Rutherford each added first period scores to give Peace a 4 to 0 lead after one.

William Peace continued to build momentum in the second quarter as Caleb Garey scored twice to push the lead to 6 to 0 heading into halftime.

The Pacers extended their lead in the third, highlighted by goals from Barnes, Garey, and Cullen Hunt. Peace led 9 to 2 entering the final quarter before Aidan McNeely added the team's final goal of the afternoon.

Garey led the offense with three goals and one assist in his collegiate debut, while Barnes added two goals. Goad and Rutherford each finished with a goal and an assist. Hunt also contributed a goal and was strong on face offs, helping Peace win the possession battle 11 to 5.

Defensively, goalkeeper Carson McGee recorded 17 saves in his first collegiate start, limiting Earlham to only four goals on 31 shots.

Head coach Troy Humphrey praised his team's resilience after the game.

"It was a gritty first win, especially without having a scrimmage to get our guys game ready," Humphrey said. "I could not be more proud of the way our young players stepped up and how our veterans led throughout. Carson making 17 saves in his first collegiate start and Caleb finishing with four points in his debut was outstanding."

William Peace finished with 43 shots, 38 ground balls, and 13 caused turnovers in the win.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow at 12 PM when they travel to Wilmington, Ohio for their second game of the weekend.