The Hope College men's lacrosse team opened its 2025 season with a 15-7 loss to Rhodes College (Tennesse) on Saturday in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in its first of two games out west. 

The game at Colorado College marked the second meeting between the two programs, with Rhodes from the Southern Athletic Association, now leading the series, 2-0.

Hope, the defending MIAA champions, battled early to keep pace with the Lynx in the first quarter, which ended with Rhodes holding a narrow 3-2 advantage. However, the second and third quarters proved decisive, as Rhodes capitalized on offensive opportunities and defensive stops to build a 5-3 halftime lead and an 11-4 lead after the third quarter.

The Flying Dutchmen struggled to break through the Lynx's defense, scoring just one goal in each of the second and third quarters.

Despite the setback, Hope showed flashes of promise, outshooting Rhodes 47-38 and holding a 36-29 advantage in ground balls. However, Rhodes goalkeeper Charlie Herlocher proved to be the difference-maker, tallying 25 saves to frustrate Hope's offensive efforts.

Senior Nick McCreery (Rockford, Michigan / Rockford HS) led the way for the Flying Dutchmen with two goals and an assist. Senior David Brace (Plymouth, Michigan / Plymouth) also found the back of the net twice. Senior Sam Bowen (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Eastern) contributed a goal and an assist, with freshman Weston Godbold (Lowell, Michigan / Lowell) and senior Owen Mueller (Traverse City, Michigan / Saint Francis) chipping in a goal apiece.

Senior Caden Brainard (Muskegon, Michigan / Reeths-Puffer) won 8-of-17 draws, while Hope's defense forced 22 turnovers.

Junior Jack Balmforth (Livonia, Michigan / Detroit Catholic Central) made eight saves in net for Hope. 

The Flying Dutchmen return to the field on Monday, Feb. 10, to battle Colorado College at 7 p.m. MST.