SALT LAKE CITY, Utah--The Westminster men's lacrosse team started its defense of of its championship title with a dominating, 23-6, RMAC win over CSU-Pueblo at home Friday afternoon.

The Griffins jumped out quickly against the Thunderwolves with five consecutive goals in the opening five minutes. Chris Catiglia charged down the middle of the field, after winning the opening face-off, and dished off to Jake Auger for the opening goal just 14 seconds into the game. Goals from Chance Beutler, Merritt McMahon and two more from Auger made it 5-0. The Thunderwolves netted three times and the Griffins added three more to finish the period, 8-3.

A second period shutout saw Westminster surge ahead by six more points for an 11-point half-time lead.

The Pack began the second half with two goals in the opening three minutes. The Griffins defense adjusted and nearly held their opponent scoreless the rest of the game as the offense finished with a 9-1 run.

Westminster recorded 47 shots with 29 on goal. The team went 21-26 on clearances and won the ground battle 56-32 on ground balls.

Chris Castiglia was 16026 on face-offs and led the team with seven ground balls. Quinn Lewis was close behind with five and five more Griffins had three apiece.

The defense caused 11 turnovers. Harrison Nye and Spencer Whinery led the team with two a peiece.

Four hat-tricks were scored through Auger, Whinery, McMahon and Gabe Mein. Auger finished with six goals and three assists to lead the Griffins with nine points. Whinery had five goals and three assists with eight points.

Goalies Gavin Beilman, Kyle Cord and Jordan Penn all saw time in the net and combined ofr 10 saves. Beilman made four saves in the first half, Penn made four in the third period and Cord record two in the fourth.

The Griffins return to action on Sunday at Dumke Field against Adams State at 11 am.