The Hope College men's lacrosse team loved this trip to Virginia.

Led by the record-tying Michael Mann, the Flying Dutchmen charged to an 18-10 victory against Virginia Wesleyan University on Wednesday in Virginia Beach, Va.

Mann (Plymouth, Michigan / University of Detroit-Jesuit HS) scored a game-high eight goals and tied the Flying Dutchmen's single-game record.

Hope also enjoyed a chance meeting with the men's lacrosse program of Hampton University, the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to field a team in the sport. 

On Monday, the Flying Dutchmen attended Hampton's pre-game practice and cheered for the Pirates during their game against High Point University (N.C.). Hampton returned the favor by attending Hope's game at Virginia Wesleyan and rooting for the Flying Dutchmen.

Head coach Michael Schanhals reached out about a visit to Hampton head coach Chazz Woodson, who played professionally and returned to Virginia to lead the Pirates.

"Chazz's from the area and came home to take over the program. It's a story we've been following from afar," Schanhals said. "It was cool to be there to support them. It was unexpected that they came out. Their entire team took a bus over. It was a fun environment."

The Flying Dutchmen — and Mann, their senior attacker — gave Hampton plenty of reasons to cheer.

Mann delivered the second eight-goal performance of his career and the fourth in Hope history. He equaled his 2023 goal total at Alma College as well as Caleb Digison's 2014 production at Calvin University and Josh Kamstra's 2013 effort at Wilmington College (Ohio).

"His movement off the ball was amazing," Schanhals said of Mann. "Our other ball handlers were moving their feet, which caused the defenders' heads to move from one side to the other. Michael was exceptional catching the ball with his silky mitts, while running full-speed, and burying it. He was awesome today."

Hope improved to 4-2 overall with its second consecutive victory.

Mann scored five times during the first quarter to stake the Flying Dutchmen to an 8-1 lead. 

Hope stretched its lead to 12-4 by halftime, when Mann set up freshman attacker Gibson Heethuis (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) with 2 minutes, 7 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Heethuis, the reigning MIAA Men's Lacrosse Offensive Athlete of the Week, finished with three goals and a career-best six assists.

The six assists are tied for the sixth-most all-time in Flying Dutchmen history and two off of the school record.

Junior attacker Sam Bowen (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Eastern) chipped in two goals and two assists.

Hope nearly doubled Virginia Wesleyan (3-4) in shots with a 57-30 advantage.

Sophomore goalie Jack Balmforth (Livonia, Michigan / Detroit Catholic Central) made nine saves in 56 ½ minutes on the field for the Flying Dutchmen.

Sophomore defender John Foster (Ada, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) forced seven Virginia Wesleyan turnovers.

Junior midfielder Caden Brainard  (Muskegon, Michigan / Reeths-Puffer) collected a team-best seven ground balls and won 68.2% of faceoffs (15-22).

Hope's next game is Thursday, March 21, at 4:30 p.m. at home against Colorado College at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Pictured, below, the Hope College and Hampton University men's lacrosse teams.