KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Concordia University Irvine men's lacrosse team erupted for 11 third-quarter goals to pull away from Alabama Huntsville and secure a dominant 21-8 victory on Friday afternoon at CAK.

The Golden Eagles (1-1) used a balanced offensive attack and strong play at the face off X to take control early and never look back.

Jeremy Barnes led the way with five goals and three assists for an eight-point performance, while Matt Carresi added four goals and two assists. Gabriel Skegin-Skipes contributed two goals and three assists, and Max Texter and Dylan MacDonald each scored twice in the win.

Concordia struck first when Texter found the back of the net at the 12:50 mark of the opening quarter. After UAH answered to tie the game at 1-1, the Eagles responded with a 4-0 run, highlighted by goals from Carresi, Texter and Skegin-Skipes to build a 5-1 advantage. CUI closed the first quarter up 6-3.

The Chargers trimmed the deficit to 6-4 early in the second period, but Skegin-Skipes answered with an unassisted goal to send Concordia into halftime leading 7-4.

The third quarter proved decisive. CUI outscored UAH 11-3 in the frame, breaking the game open with relentless offensive pressure. Barnes scored four times in the quarter, while Carresi, MacDonald, Devin Szakos and John DiGiulio each added goals during the surge.

Concordia finished with 40 shots and 32 shots on goal while winning the ground ball battle 48-32 and the faceoff margin 22-10. Dawson Loudermilk (13-of-18) and Cade Poe (9-of-14) combined to control possession at the X.

In goal, Zane Coda earned the win with six saves over 53:45 of action before Brody Woods closed out the final minutes.

The Eagles will remain in Knoxville to face Lees-McRae on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. (PT).