'MILFORD, N.H. 3/8/07 - Freshman attackman Jamie LeSage (Exeter, N.H.) began his college career with five goals to lead the Keene State College men's lacrosse team to a season-opening 18-7 victory over Franklin Pierce College in Milford, N.H. on Thursday afternoon. Due to cold conditions, the game was moved indoors to the Hampshire Dome.

Keene State Coach Mark Theriault said the novelty of playing indoors quickly wore off.  "We're a quick team, so the smaller field hurt us," he said.  "We also used orange balls which are hard to see."

Adjusting to the conditions, the Owls jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the first quarter and held a 9-2 advantage at halftime.  KSC outscored FPC 8-1 in the third quarter.

Jamie's brother Mike LeSage (Exeter, N.H.) added three goals for the Owls, who also received three goal games from Peter Lauranzano (Medford, Mass.) and Tony Santa Fe (Derry, N.H.).  Sean Panora (South Windsor, Conn.), last year's Little East co-offensive player of the year chipped in with a goal and three assists.

"Our top unit held them to three goals, but I expect a lot more from this team," said Theriault.  KSC captured the ECAC New England championship last season.

Lucas Harmony (Canton, Mass.) had three goals for Ravens, who netted four of their seven goals in the fourth quarter.  The game marked the debut of FPC first-year coach Kevin Pezanowski.

Junior Matt Johnson (Derry, N.H.), last year's LEC defensive player of the year, stopped nine shots.  Senior goalie Ben Lek (Gaithersburg, Md.) finished with 13 saves for FPC.

Keene State travels to Florida for Spring break week.  They play New England College in Orlando on Tuesday. 

Franklin Pierce heads to North Carolina for three games.  They play Dominican (N.Y.) College on Tuesday.