HARTFORD, Conn. – The Stevens Tech men's lacrosse team broke a second-quarter tie with three consecutive goals and Eastern Connecticut State University was never able to get closer than two the rest of the way when the Warriors dropped their season-opener, 16-8, Wednesday afternoon at Trinity College.

Eastern junior All-America midfielder Mike Devine (Cheshire) helped Eastern to an early 3-1 lead with a pair of strikes in the first seven minutes, but Stevens (3-0) answered with four in a row – two coming on the first two goals of the year by sophomore midfielder Michael Frasco – to regain the momentum.

Ranked sixth nationally, Stevens' defense limited Eastern to just two second-half goals. The Ducks scored six consecutive goals – two by Frasco and two by senior midfielder Rich Dupras -- to move out to a 14-6 lead with 18 minutes left in the match.

Eastern freshman goalie Brendan Gillotti (Danbury) made 11 saves in his collegiate debut, with senior Drew Deane (Vernon) stopping four in the final quarter.

 Frasco and Dupras combined for nine of Stevens' goal and senior All-America midfielder Nicolas Philippi was credited with four assists. Devine and junior midfielder Tyler Fresen (Newington) each had three goals to lead Eastern. Devine, who contributed to five of Eastern's goals by adding two assists, took 11 of Eastern's 29 shots, but was held off the board over the final 38 minutes.

 Eastern's man-down unit successfully killed off seven of Stevens' extra-match opportunites.

 Eastern hosts Gordon College Saturday at noon in its home-opener.