Granville, Ohio - The Denison men's lacrosse team moves up to number one in the North Coast Athletic Conference standings after defeating the Kenyon College Owls 10-5 at home. Despite an elongated weather delay and a lower-than-average scoring day, the Big Red's defense kept the Owls' offense grounded. Denison improves to 7-7 overall and 5-1 in conference play, while Kenyon drops to 8-6 and 4-1 in conference play.

Denison's leading assister, Brady Monturio, picked up where he left off on Saturday and found Teddy Hardy two minutes into the first period to give the Big Red an early 1-0 lead over the Owls. Kenyon would capitalize on an extra-man opportunity and even the score at one apiece just a minute later. The two teams would go shot-for-shot throughout the remainder of the first quarter, but neither would find the back of the other's net until the fourth minute of play. Denison would regain the lead with 3:44 left in the game after Kevin Berutich connected with Jonah Frank to put the Big Red up 2-1. Two minutes later, Macky Peck would give Denison a two-goal cushion with just over a minute left in the period off an assist from Frank.

Denison went on a 4-1 run in the second quarter, leading 7-2 at halftime. Michael Cassidy scored off a Hardy pass for goal four. Following a Kenyon turnover, Owen Holder found Peck for his second goal. Seven scoreless minutes passed before Liam Gillard assisted Anthony Savoy for 6-1. Drew Merschel set up Frank for Denison's final goal of the half.

Both teams struggled to score after halftime. Twelve minutes passed before the Owls made it 8-3. With 1:15 left in the third, Cian Nicholas connected with Peck for another goal. Khari Freeman's caused turnover set up Cassidy's second goal with 18 seconds left, stretching the lead to six.

After a lengthy weather delay, the Owls and the Big Red jumped right back into action, with Denison striking first. Frank would record his fifth game with a hat-trick after gathering a pass from Ryne Whitt to put the Big Red up 10-3. Kenyon would hit back with two more goals in the final frame, but Denison's defense held strong and kept the Owls at bay, securing the 10-5 victory.

Andrew Albert faced 23 shots on goal and tallied 15 saves on the day. Denison's accuracy and Albert's defensive dominance were key factors to tonight's 10-5 victory. The Big Red held a slight edge in shots (41-39) and shots on goal (23-20). Winning just two of the 17 faceoffs, Denison was efficient on offense and stifling on defense, causing nine turnovers to Kenyon's seven.

Key Highlights

• This was Macky Peck's sixth hat-trick of the season and eighth game with three or more goals.

• This was Jonah Frank's fifth hat-trick of the season.

• Peck also gathered a career-high five groundballs.

• Luca Avelino tallied five caused turnovers.

• Nine different members of the Big Red Squad tallied an assist.

• Charlie Haight and Khari Freeman led the team in ground balls.

Up Next for the Big Red

The Big Red travels to Oberlin College to take on the Yeomen on Saturday, April 18. Denison and Oberlin will take