by Odille Parker 

A powerful offensive stance propelled an undefeated Hope College men's lacrosse team to a 23-18 win over Albion College on Tuesday night.

The Flying Dutchmen got on the board first 32 seconds into the game on a goal by attacker Jack Radzville, pictured left. The junior from Howell (Howell HS) led Hope in scoring with six goals and two assists, tying his previous career-high goal record.

Zach Wiggins scored shortly after, recording his first career goal. It was a big night for the junior from Kalamazoo (Mattawan HS), who tallied five goals in all and one assist.

The game improved Hope to 4-0. It was also the most goals scored against Albion in a varsity game and tied for seventh highest-scoring game of all-time.

The faceoff line was also commanding during the game.

"Cole Scheffler, Liam Cunningham, Brayden Blackburn, and our faceoff line were just outstanding tonight," said head coach Mike Schanhals. "I was really proud of us on how we were able to possess the ball and keep it out of (Albion's) hands and get where we wanted offensively."

Junior Cole Scheffler, pictured right, of Rockford (Rockford HS) dominated on the dot, going 30-of-39 on faceoffs.

Midfielder Luke Elder of Grand Rapids (East Grand Rapids HS) also played a key role in scoring, recording five goals and two assists. Freshman attacker Michael Mann of Plymouth (University of Detroit-Jesuit) followed with three goals and one assist.

"Our attackline played really well," Schanhals said. "Zach Wiggins and Brian Bera both played really well up top, so Albion had their hands full trying to stop us."

Freshman midfielder Sean Cunningham of South Lyon (Detroit Catholic Central), sophomore attacker/midfielder Alex Goodall of Clarkston (Luteran Northwest), junior attacker/midfielder Brian Bera of Rockford (Rockford HS), and junior midfielder Liam Cunningham of South Lyon (Detroit Catholic Central) each added one goal.

Junior goalie Ian Bosman of Centennial, Colorado (Cherry Creek HS) had 11 saves. 

Hope's season continues to be marked by a 'next man up' mentality, with many of the younger players getting a chance to step up and get more playing time.

"The work ethic that our guys have can be disguised as having fun playing ball," Schanhals said. "I really respect some of the leaders on our team, and what they do not just at practice, but outside of practice to make sure we're disciplined and we go extra."

The Flying Dutchmen continue on the road with their next game on Friday, March 26 against Kalamazoo. Game time is at 7 p.m.