In its home-opener, Eastern (2-4) dropped its third straight match, losing to Wheaton (2-4) on its home field for the first time in nine contests in the all-time series.

Wheaton never trailed, scoring twice less than two minutes apart to snap an early 1-1 tie, and secured the victory by expanding a two-goal lead to six by recording the final four goals of the match. Whear's even-strength goal and a man-up marker by sophomore attack CJ Leighton 45 seconds apart late in the third quarter gave the Lyons a four-goal, 9-5 cushion heading into the final 15 minutes.

Whear's fifth and sixth goals of the match 2:16 apart midway through the final quarter was more than enough offense for the Lyons, whose defense held Eastern off the board over the final 22 minutes.

Wheaton outshot Eastern nearly 2-to-1 (43-24), forced seven more turnovers and won 14 more ground balls than its hosts, capitalized on two of three man-up situations, and behind sophomore midfielder Mike Doucette, won 13 of 20 faceoffs.

Whear scored Wheaton's first two goals, and after getting shut out in the second quarter, answered with four goals in the second half. He put seven of his eight shots on net in the match. Senior attack Will Morrison and Leighton each chipped in two goals and two assists, and freshman goalie Colin Walsh was credited with ten saves for his second win of the year.

 Senior midfielder Zach Brode helped stake the Lyons to their sizable advantage in ground balls, with four. Doucette earned seven ground balls on his 13 faceoff wins.

Eastern, playing without one of its starting attackmen, got two goals from senior captain Nick Biasetti (Brookfield) – doubling his season goal total. Junior goalie Chris Gorman (Shrewsbury, MA) .made 13 saves. Junior defenseman Brandon Klett (West Hartford) picked up four ground balls.

Eastern hosts Bowdoin College -- ranked sixth in New England and 19^th nationally – Tuesday at 4 p.m.