NAMPA, Idaho - The Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks men's lacrosse team was on the losing end of a 24-8 decision against Westminster (Utah) on Saturday afternoon.

The Nighthawks hosted their first home match as an NCAA team but were unable earn their first home win. The Griffins would strike first just a few minutes into the game but NNU would tie it up two minutes later off a shot from Colton Altimus. Westminster then scored the next six goals to take a 7-1 lead in the second quarter. Ozgood Hawkins put the second Nighthawk goal in with 10 minutes left in the 2nd quarter but Westminster's Pierce Dahl answered back two minutes later and Luke Sillstrop a minute after that.

Gage Stokes took a Colton Altimus pass and put in the back of the net for their third goal of the contest as the Nighthawks now trailed 9-3. Five more Griffin goals, including two from Sillstrop just 41 seconds apart to go into the break with a 14-3 lead.

The second half started with two goals for the visiting Griffins off the stick of Cam Conti and Tate Craig. Ozgood Hawkins scored his second of the game with 9:07 left in the third period but Luke Sillstrop added another for Westminster shortly after. 

Altimus and Kellen Young added back-to-back goals with five minutes left in the 3rd quarter. But Westminster added four more, capped off by a a Cale Gunter shot with 56 seconds left in the period. Colton Altimus completed the hat trick to open the 4th quarter but three Griffin goals from Kaydin Berry, Owen Estee, and Daxton Jensen adding to their lead. Kieran Reinsch netted his second goal of the year as the Nighthawks fell, 24-8.

NNU was out shot by Westminster 44-37 and was two for four in extra man opportunities. The Nighthawks will fall to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in RMAC play. They will look to get back on track as they host Adams State this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.  Read Full Article