MISSOULA - The University of Montana Men’s Lacrosse Club defeated the Gonzaga University Bulldogs, 11-9, Saturday in the Grizzlies’ home opener.

The Griz (now 1-5 on the season) traded goals with the PNCLL Div. 1AA Bulldogs (2-2) early in the game, going into halftime with a one-goal lead at 7-6.

After starting the second half in a two-man down situation, Montana was able to kill the penalties and go on an unanswered four-goal run into the mid-fourth quarter.

Gonzaga, feeling the pressure of the clock, took advantage of some fourth quarter momentum to sink three quick goals, but a few last-minute saves by freshman Montana Goalie Hank Vieten (Hanover, NH) cut the Zags short.

Junior Attack Captain Jeremy Brown (Canandaigua, NY) and junior Midfielder Kent Davis (Denver, CO) led the Grizzlies’ scoring effort Saturday, clocking two goals and an assist each. Junior Midfielder Captain Max Reuter (Portland, OR) and freshman Midfielder Henry Bishop (Portland, OR) also contributed two goals a piece. Also scoring for the Griz were: freshman Attack Patrick Shelso (Memphis, TN - 1G, 1A), junior Midfielder Dylan Ward (Victor, ID - 1G, 1A) and junior Midfielder Henry Burchenal (Cincinnati, OH - 1G).

Freshman Goalie Hank Vieten put up a great performance between the pipes for the Grizzlies, keeping them in the game in the waning minutes.

For a goal-by-goal recap of Saturday’s match-up, check our recent Twitter updates at Twitter.com/GrizLax.

The Griz will face off against PNCLL Div 1AA University of  Idaho in Missoula next Saturday.