SALT LAKE CITY – The defending champion Westminster men's lacrosse team opened the title defense with a 20-0 win over Western State on Saturday afternoon. No. 1 Westminster led 16-0 at halftime and just cruised in the second half.

“Our depth and home field advantage paid off,” Westminster associate head coach Dave Long commented. “I was especially proud of our defense for not allowing a goal. It would have been easy to let down in the second half and they didn't do it.”

Rick Larkin led the way with four goals and two assists. Josh Condas and Andy Lehr scored three goals each while Dan Larkin and Weston Morley scored two goals each. Dallas McLellan recorded four saves in his first shutout of the season.

Westminster now heads for out on a four-game road trip. That trip begins against Davenport University on February 24 in Athens, Tennessee.