GRANTHAM, Pa. – Ursinus opened its 2014 season on Saturday with a 15-2 victory over Messiah in men's lacrosse action. 

The Bears broke open a 3-1 game with eight goals in the second quarter and then kept Messiah scoreless over the last 34:23 of the game en route to their victory. 

Ursinus got four goals each from junior attack Steve Smyrl and junior midfielder Jake Weber, with Smyrl also accounting for two assists. Senior midfielder Nile Thompson scored twice for Ursinus, who had a 48-22 shot advantage.

Defensively, Ursinus scooped up 30 ground balls and went 15-for-17 on clear attempts, while forcing 21 Falcon turnovers. Four different players had three ground balls each, with senior Shawn Caven going 12-for-18 on faceoffs. 

Sophomore longstick midfielder Anthony Torello had three caused turnovers on the day. 

In goal, sophomore Brian Neff made five saves.

Ursinus will host Widener on Wednesday.