KENOSHA, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin men's lacrosse team defeated Carthage College 13–7 on Saturday, marking the Falcons' first win over the Firebirds since 2018. The six-goal victory also stands as CUW's largest margin of victory against Carthage. With the win, the Falcons remain undefeated and improve to 6-0 on the season.
 
CUW struck early, scoring twice within the first five minutes. Junior Bryce Petersen (Waukesha, Wis.) opened the scoring off an assist from sophomore Jackson Knutson (Roseville, Minn.) before Knutson added a goal of his own with help from freshman Kaleb Weikel (Andover, Minn.). Carthage answered with a goal late in the first quarter to make it 2-1.
 
Petersen extended the Falcons' lead early in the second quarter, scoring just 2:12 into the period following a CUW timeout. Less than three minutes later, a Carthage turnover led to Petersen's third goal of the game, giving the Falcons a 4-1 advantage. The junior's hat trick marked his fifth of the season and his fourth in consecutive games.
 
Carthage responded with a goal to cut the lead to two, but CUW quickly answered. After senior Frank Trewyn (Mukwonago, Wis.) won the faceoff, Knutson found the net with an assist from sophomore Bryce Marval (Glenview, Ill.). The Firebirds added two more goals before Marvel scored with three minutes remaining in the half, sending the Falcons into the break with the lead.
 
The Firebirds opened the second half with back-to-back goals to tie the game at 6-6. Following a Carthage penalty, the Falcons capitalized on a man-up opportunity as Petersen scored off a pass from Weikel to reclaim the lead. The goal sparked a five-goal run for CUW that stretched into the fourth quarter. Freshman Blane Vrana (Monument, Colo.) added a goal, Marval scored twice, and Petersen capped the run with his sixth goal of the afternoon.
 
Carthage managed one more goal, but the Falcons responded with two additional scores, including a man-up goal, to secure the victory.
 
Petersen led the Falcons with six goals and one assist, while Marval recorded the first hat trick of his collegiate career. Freshman Brayden Wilson (Pueblo West, Colo.) and Weikel each contributed thrre assists.
 
Trewyn dominated at the faceoff circle, winning 18 of 22 attempts while collecting a team-high 10 ground balls. Defensively, sophomore Jack Bradley (Tucson, Ariz.) and senior Connor Quill (Schaumburg, Ill.) each caused two turnovers, while the Falcons forced seven failed clears by the Firebirds.
 
Sophomore Nolan O'Malley (Chicago, Ill.) stayed in goal for the Falcons, collecting seven saves and improving to 5-0 on the season.
 
CUW will return to Fitting Field on Wednesday for its first Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference contest of the season, hosting Aurora at 4 p.m.