Top-ranked Duke scored the first four goals of the game and then used a six-goal run to erase any thoughts of an upset in a 13-6 victory at No. 16 Richmond.

Nakeie Montgomery scored less than a minute into the game and the Blue Devils (6-0) never trailed in the contest despite getting outshot by Richmond 39-34.

Richmond’s biggest push came midway through the second quarter when Ryan Lanchbury and Tyler Shouts scored to cut Duke’s lead to 5-3 with 8:32 left in the half.

Michael Sowers then scored the first of his three goals ignite Duke’s six goal run. The Spiders (1-3) went scoreless for over 22 minutes as the Blue Devils stretched the lead to 11-3.

Mike Adler made 15 saves in the victory while Sowers had a team-high five points on three goals and two assists. Owen Caputo, Brennan O’Neill and Joe Robertson each scored two goals while Montgomery and Aidan Danenza each had a goal and two assists.

Shake, bake and a dunk for Michael Sowers. He finishes with a hat trick and two assists as No. 1 @DukeMLAX beats Richmond 13-6. pic.twitter.com/owmnHzyfbh

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) March 7, 2021

Lanchbury led the Spiders with three goals, including the 100^th of his career.

Villanova Holds Off Providence 11-8 in Big East

Villanova scored the final two goals of the game to seal an 11-8 victory at Providence on Sunday afternoon.

The Wildcats (2-1, 2-1 Big East) led by four goals midway through the third quarter, but Providence cut the Villanova lead to 9-8 on Dan Axelson’s goal with 4:55 left in the game. Villanova’s Matt Campbell and Eric Overbay then scored to seal the victory.

Overbay had three goals and three assists for Villanova and Keegan Khan had three goals and two assists. Will Vitton made 16 saves.

Axelson and Ryan Zimmerman each scored twice for Providence (2-3, 1-2 Big East).

Bucknell Opens Season Beating Cleveland State

After having its first three games postponed or canceled, Bucknell finally hit the field on Sunday, beating Cleveland State 15-9. Senior Tommy Sopko had a career-high nine points on seven goals and two assists to lead the Bison and Harry Welford added a hat trick. Kevin Sobey made 14 saves for Cleveland State (0-2) while Brendan Sigurdson and Michael Wilson each had a goal and two assists.

Nike/US Lacrosse Men’s Top 20 Scoreboard

No. 1 Duke 13, No. 16 Richmond 6

Other Scores

Bucknell 15, Cleveland State 9
Villanova 11, Providence 8