The Brock Badgers men's lacrosse team were bested by the Western Mustangs in their 2024 home opener. 

On Saturday, Sept. 28 under the lights of Alumni Field, the Badgers fell by a score of 18-9 in a rematch of the 2023 Baggataway Cup semifinal. 

Jaden Patterson, a fourth-year attack, led the Badgers in scoring with seven points from one goal and six assists while Avery Steinbach-Parker, a second-year attack, contributed three goals. 

Despite two goals from Brodie Thoms and additional tallies from Brayden Brown, Lucas Clarke and Steinbach-Parker, the Badgers trailed 10-5 at the half. 

The Mustangs offensive showing increased in the third quarter as they outscored the Badgers 7-0 to increase their lead. 

A late influx of offence from Brock including two goals from Steinbach-Parker and scores from Patterson and Eric Andrew brought the game closer, but it eventually proved to be not enough. 

Third-year goalie Connor Scott earned the start in net for the Badgers, recording 28 saves in the defeat. 

Colton Armitage recorded two assists while James Gowland notched one. 

Up next, the Badgers look to bounce back against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, Sept. 30, at Alumni Field at 7 p.m. Fans can expect a selection of family-friendly programming that will include traditional song and drumming by the Strong Water Singers and Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre to usher teams on and off the field and a stick-handling lesson led by Kevin Sandy, Director of Haudenosaunee Lacrosse. 

The last time these two teams faced off, Brock was victorious by a score of 9-1 on Oct. 21, 2023.