MEADVILLE, Pa. -- A fast start propelled Allegheny College to a 17-7 win over the Washington & Jefferson College men's lacrosse team in the Presidents' Athletic Conference opener for both teams Thursday evening in Crawford County. 

Allegheny led by a 4-0 after the first quarter before expanding the lead to 11-2 by halftime. Carter Watts (Gilbertsville, Pa. / Boyertown) and Austin Hopkins (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield) scored a goal each in the second quarter.

The host Gators outpaced the Presidents by a 6-5 margin over the final 30 minutes of game time. Aiden Herman (West End, N.C. / Pinecrest) and Paul Shook (Camp Hill, Pa. / Trinity) each scored twice in the second half for the Presidents. 

Watts led the Presidents with three points (two goals, one assist). Herman finished with two goals and six ground balls.

Defensively, Hopkins had seven ground balls and two caused turnovers. 

Henry Beardwood (Wilmington, Del. / Salesianum School) finished with 16 saves while picking up a team-high eight ground balls. 

W&J will face Bethany College at Alexandre Stadium on Wednesday, April 3 at 7 p.m.