by Alan Babbitt

Andrew Pawlanta and the Hope College men's lacrosse team brought a stingy defense to the field for Thursday's home opener.

The Flying Dutchmen allowed only seven shots and forced 41 turnovers during a 19-1 non-league victory against Carroll University (Wisconsin).

Hope nearly posted the fourth shutout in team history while improving to 3-1 overall. Carroll scored during the fourth quarter.

The Flying Dutchmen previously blanked Concordia Chicago during the 2018 season, Bethany College (W.V.) in 2017 and Defiance College (Ohio) in 2016.

Pawlanta, pictured, contributed to the defensive effort. The junior defender from Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Eastern HS) recorded a career-high five caused turnovers.

Three of Pawlanta's teammates collected two caused turnovers apiece: junior Nick Bazany of Howell, Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central), sophomore Ben Staubus of Westville, Indiana (Mount Carmel Catholic), and freshman Brayden Blackburn of Muskegon, Michigan (Reeths-Puffer).

Goalies Nick Schanhals of North Muskegon, Michigan (North Muskegon) and Ian Bosman of Centennial, Colorado (Cherry Creek) needed to only make three saves combined.

Hope extended its lead to 12-0 at halftime with an eight-goal second quarter.

Twelve different players scored against winless Carroll, including three-goal producers Max Kuiper of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Central) and Luke Elder of East Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids).

The start of the match was delayed 45 minutes by lightning.

The Flying Dutchmen's next match is Friday, March 15 at 5 p.m. vs. visiting Augustana College (Illinois).