North Andover, MA - Gerard Kane tallied two goals and an assist to lead the way for the Hofstra men's lacrosse team, but a late fourth quarter rally fell short in a 10-7 loss to Merrimack in the season opener for both teams on Sunday afternoon at Duane Stadium. 

Mac Gates posted 11 saves in net for Hofstra in a strong defensive effort. 

The Pride is 0-1 headed into its home opener next weekend, while the Warriors move to 1-0 on the season. 

Griffin Turner opened the scoring for Hofstra in the game on the season as he scored at the 12:41 mark of the first quarter to get the Pride on the board. It was all Merrimack the remainder of the half, though, as the Warriors scored the next six goals to lead 6-1 with just under nine minutes left. Kane scored his first with 2:59 on the clock to make it a four-goal deficit at the break. 

The Warriors notched the first three goals of the third quarter to take a commanding 9-2 lead in the game before the Pride mounted a late rally. 

Trevor Natalie scored twice in a game-closing 5-1 Pride run that showed the fight of the squad. John Madsen also had a pair of goals during the run, while Kane finished up the scoring at the 2:18 mark. 

Rory Jones dished out two assists for the Pride, while Chase Patterson was 15-21 on face-offs and picked up nine ground balls. Tom Ford had three caused turnovers and a trio of ground balls as well. 

Tommy Rooney had four points on three goals and one assist for Merrimack, while Jack Rooney tallied four points on one goal and three assists. Henry Vogt had nine saves for the Warriors. 

Hofstra will host Navy in its home opener next Saturday, February 11 at 2 p.m. For ticket information visit HofstraTickets.com, call (516) HOF-TIXX, or stop by the Hofstra Athletics Ticket Office in the lobby of the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex during normal business hours. 

NOTES
- Today was the second-ever meeting between Hofstra and Merrimack in men's lacrosse. The series is now tied as the Pride won the first meeting in last year's season opener, 8-7. 
- The 11 saves for Gates marked the 16th time in his career he has tallied double figures in saves. 
- Madsen's two goals marked his second multi-goal game of his career after tallying his first two career goals against Sacred Heart on February 12, 2022. 
- Natalie's two goals were the first of his career. 
- Jones tied his career-high with two assists.