BRIDGEWATER, Va. – Playing their first game of the season against a strong ODAC opponent in the form of Bridgewater College, the Capital University fell at the end of an exciting scoreline, 12-10. 

The team was led by multi-goal performances from Mason Spaulding, Brenden Pelton, and Nathan Montgomery. Jon Gaglione netted a single goal as well for the Comets (0-1) 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The first quarter certainly saw both teams still settling into their form as they shook out the offseason rust. The Eagles, who had already played one game this season, got out to an early 2-0 lead, but the Comets responded well. Nathan Montgomery first scored a goal of his own – netting the first goal of the A.J. Smith era in Capital lacrosse. Montgomery then followed up his goal by assisting the tying goal just three minutes later. Montgomery tossed it to Brenden Pelton who sent a strong shot past the Bridgewater goalie. With just 16 seconds left in the first, Bridgewater scored to take another lead at 3-2. 

Out of the first quarter break, Capital came out looking to establish control on the game. Within the first five minutes of the second, Mason Spaulding manufactured a change in momentum for the team. Spaulding first scored an unassisted tally and just two minutes later, he dispatched his second of the game off a feed from Jack Scharner. Just over a minute later, Scharner played provider again, this time finding Jon Gaglione for the slam dunk goal just on top of the crease. Just a minute before the half, Nathan Montgomery wanted to make sure the Comets didn't forget he was having a great first half as well and scored his second goal of the game, leading to a 6-3 halftime advantage for Capital. 

Out of the halftime intermission, Bridgewater (2-0) played lights out, blitzing the scoreboard for six third quarter goals to take a 9-7 lead to the fourth. Capital's lone third quarter goal came courtesy of Brenden Pelton. 

In the fourth, Capital stepped up their game, but were undone by a flurry of three Bridgewater goals in the space of 2:41 of play. Mason Spaulding had completed his hat-trick just before the Eagles burst of offense. 

After the hosts took the 12-8 lead, Spalling added a fourth, and Pelton netted his third of the game to close the gap to 12-10. Unfortunately, the late comeback effort was too-little, too-late for the Comets. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Mason Spaulding started the season brightly, scoring four goals in a single game. He also matched the feat with four at Wilmington last spring. 

Brenden Pelton netted his third career hat-trick with the three-goal effort. 

Nathan Montgomery's multi-point game was the fifth time the junior has recorded at least one goal and one assist in the same game. 

Jack Scharner recorded at least three assists in a single game for the 14th time in his career. 

Sam McInturf recorded 16 saves in the cage. 

THE OPPONENT
Chris Martel was the hot-man offensively for the hosts as he scored seven goals on 19 shots. Hunter Becker dished out four assists. Robbie Noyes had just six saves in goal. 

UP NEXT
Capital will take the field next on Saturday, February 26th as they welcome Kenyon College to Bernlohr Stadium for their home opener. Faceoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.