Owings Mills, Md.- Competing in the 2026 Mustang Classic hosted by Stevenson University, the Denison men's lacrosse team fell to No. 1 Tufts 16-6, in its first head-to-head matchup of the weekend. This year's Mustang Classic plays host to eight top-15 teams, with Denison taking on No. 1 Tufts and No. 11 Dickinson over the two-day stretch. With today's loss to the Jumbos, the Big Red drops to 2-5 for the season, while Tufts improves to 4-0.
In the first half, Tufts seized early momentum, scoring four goals within the opening 10 minutes. Denison responded with three minutes left in the first quarter, as Jack Erdman scored a man-up goal assisted by Zach Warren, cutting the deficit to 4-1. However, Tufts quickly countered, adding another goal a minute later to end the quarter ahead 5-1.
Tufts increased their lead early in the second quarter, scoring just two minutes in to make it 6-1. Denison then answered a minute later, with Kevin Berutich assisting Michael Cassidy for the Big Red's second goal, reducing the gap to 6-2.
Starting the second half down 8-2, Denison's first-year Jonah Frank scored just a minute into the third quarter, narrowing the margin to 8-3. Tufts quickly responded by regaining momentum and extended their lead, finishing the third quarter with a 13-3 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, Tufts extended their lead, but Denison managed three late goals. Frank scored unassisted at 8:47, followed by Anthony Savoy's goal from a Berutich assist, and then Cassidy scored just 20 seconds later. Tufts closed the night by scoring their final goal in the last two minutes, sealing a 16-6 win.
Andrew Albert spent well over three quarters in goal for the Big Red, totaling 18 saves, before Brant Satterly took over for the final eight minutes and tallied two saves.
With a 55 to 28 advantage in shots and a 36 to 14 shots on goal margin, Tufts dominated the night statistically. However, the Big Red went 23-25 in clear attempts and converted one of three man-up opportunities.
Up Next for the Big Red
Denison will remain in Maryland to continue its Mustang Classic campaign by taking on No. 11 Dickinson on day two. The Big Red and the Red Devils face off at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 14.
