BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Jack McKenna scored five goals to account for half of the offense for Fairfield University Men's Lacrosse in Saturday's 2023 season opener at Lehigh. However, the host Mountain Hawks rode a strong day from All-America faceoff man Mike Sisselberger and a 10-point outing for Christian Mule' to a 20-10 decision on Frank Banko Field.
 
McKenna's five goals tie his career high, which he reached three times during his 2022 CAA Rookie of the Year campaign. He scored two of the Stags' four man-up markers, with fellow starting attackmen Bryce Ford and Max Paparozzi each adding one on the advantage. Paparozzi also dished out three assists to round out a four-point day.
 
The Stags also had a pair of first-time goal scorers in Will Consoli and Jake Gilbert, with the final Fairfield goal coming from the crosse of Luke Okupski. Josh Demko and Christopher DeBellis each netted an assist to complete the scoring effort.
 
Dylan Smith shouldered the load against Sisselberger and went 11-for-31 at the X with a pair of ground balls. Ryan Hamburger won both of his draws in relief.
 
Colin Consoli started and went the distance in the cage, making 15 stops. The defensive unit in front of him included four ground balls by Zack Antoniou and three grounders with two caused turnovers by Braden Lynch.
 
With Sisselberger winning 19-for-30 draws with 12 ground balls to keep Lehigh on the attack, the Mountain Hawks capitalized with four goals from Mule' – along with six assists to complete his career day – and five goals by Justin Tiernan. All-Patriot League attackman Scott Cole added four goals and three helpers for the hosts.
 
Nick Pecora made 11 saves in the Lehigh cage to earn the win.
 
The Stags continue the 2023 campaign next Saturday, Feb. 18 on Staten Island against Wagner. The game will be the season opener for the Seahawks.