THE RUNDOWN
The DBU Lacrosse team kicked off the 2025 season in dramatic fashion, hosting a pair of conference matchups over the weekend. Tarleton State and Texas State both made the trip to Dallas, marking their first official games of the season. The Patriots dominated their home opener on Friday night with a commanding 14-2 victory over Tarleton State before facing a tough 14-3 setback against Texas State on Saturday.

Friday night's matchup against the Texans started with a measured pace, as DBU held a 3-1 advantage after the opening quarter. The Patriots found their rhythm in the second frame, extending their lead to 7-2 by halftime. The defense took over in the second half, shutting out Tarleton State while the offense continued to pour it on, securing a 14-2 win to open the season on a high note.

Graduate student Zachary Conner and freshman Chayton Hoskins each netted hat-tricks, leading the offensive charge. Sophomore Gavin Thomas put together an impressive five-point performance, contributing to a well-rounded team effort that saw eight different Patriots find the back of the net. It was a statement win for DBU and an electric start to the season.

Just thirteen hours later, the Patriots found themselves in a gritty showdown against Texas State in an LSA Division II clash. Both teams entered the contest on short rest, setting the stage for a defensive battle. DBU controlled the tempo early, keeping the score knotted at 1-1 after the first quarter.

However, Texas State struck quickly in the second, notching two goals to take a 3-1 lead. Sophomore Roman Shillington emerged as the heart of the offense, consistently creating scoring opportunities and making his presence felt throughout the game. Junior goalie Gregory Williamson delivered a standout performance between the pipes, recording multiple clutch saves to keep DBU within striking distance.

Despite their relentless effort, the Patriots couldn't close the gap as Texas State pulled away late to hand DBU a 13-4 loss. The defeat moves DBU to 1-1 on the young season, but the resilience and potential of this squad were evident. Facing one of their toughest opponents of the season, the Patriots showed they have the talent and determination to compete at a high level.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
#7 Chayton Hoskins – 4 G, 1 A
#11 Gregory Williamson – 25 Saves, 62.5% Save Percentage
#17 Rocco Cantrell – 1 G, 1 A, 11 GB
#22 Roman Shillington – 3 G, 2 A, 15 GB
#23 Zachary Conner – 3 G, 3 A

UP NEXT
The Patriots (1-1) hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to Ruston, Louisiana, for a February 15 matchup against Louisiana Tech (0-2). This road test presents an opportunity for DBU to bounce back and build on the promise they've shown in the opening weekend.