The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's lacrosse team fell 13-5 in their season opener versus the Western Mustangs on Saturday (Sept. 12) night at Varsity Stadium.

Both teams jumped out of the gate flying and while the Mustangs pressed the Blues in the offensive zone, fourth-year goalie Benjamin Rishikof stood tall between the pipes making key saves keep the game scoreless. The Mustangs eventually were able to break through and jump to a 5-0 lead but the Blues showed resilience battling back to keep the game close. Momentum switched over to the Blues side with a goal from fourth-year attack Daniel Clarke with 10 seconds left in the third quarter. A buzzer beater from fourth-year midfielder Johnathan Murawsky give the Blues momentum headed into the final quarter. As the two sides traded blows in the fourth quarter, a late 4-0 run by Western helped seal the victory for the visitors.

In a collective effort, U of T had four different goalscorers. Notching a pair of goals was first-year attack Ethan Bahniuck. Meanwhile, Murawsky and Clarke netted late goals in the third quarter. Also adding to Toronto's goal total was third-year midfielder Alexander May.

For Western, Hayden McIsaac had a three-goal performance, while Zach Abu-Ali, Blake Booth and Cyrus Sinopole each scored a pair.

The Blues will now turn their focus to the Nipissing Lakers when they host them on Sunday (Sept. 13) afternoon at Varsity Stadium. The opening face-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.