PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Norwich University men's lacrosse team opened the 2026 campaign on Wednesday afternoon, falling to Plattsburgh State University, 18-8, in non-conference action at the Cardinals' Field House Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.

Case MacDonald (Burke, Va.) powered the Cadets' offense with three goals and one assist to finish with four points, while Jackson Forbes (Merrimack, N.H.) added two goals and tied for the team lead with five ground balls.  Robbie McAllister (Amherst, Mass.), Drew Fleury (Nashua, N.H.), and Nicholas Wolfgang (New Port Richey, Fla.) each found the back of the net to round out Norwich's scoring effort.

Plattsburgh State seized early momentum, striking three times in a three-minute stretch from the 12:57 mark to 10:28 of the opening quarter.  Norwich settled in quickly in response.  James Raymond (Tracy's Landing, Md.) connected with MacDonald for the Cadets' first goal of the season before finding Fleury on a man-up opportunity three minutes later, trimming the deficit to 3-2 by the end of the first quarter.

The Cardinals created separation in the second frame, rattling off five consecutive goals to build control of the contest.  Forbes halted the surge with under a minute remaining in the half to keep the margin at 8-3, but Plattsburgh added a late tally in the closing seconds to carry a six-goal advantage into the break.

The third quarter followed a similar script early, as the Cardinals opened the stanza with four straight goals.  Norwich responded with resilience.  MacDonald and McAllister scored 75 seconds apart to spark momentum, and after Plattsburgh answered moments later, the Cadets struck again in the final minute of the period.  MacDonald delivered a precise feed to Wolfgang to cut the deficit to 14-6 entering the fourth.

Plattsburgh regained command to begin the final quarter with three straight tallies, but Norwich continued to compete.  MacDonald completed his hat trick midway through the frame, and Christian Rainis (Wynantskill, N.Y.) set up Forbes for the Cadets' final goal of the afternoon.  The Cardinals added a late insurance marker to secure the 18-8 result.

In his collegiate debut at the face-off stripe, Ryan Magararu (Newtonville, Mass.) delivered an impressive performance, winning 11 of 15 draws while collecting five ground balls.  Mason Dils (Watervliet, N.Y.) recorded 15 saves while playing the full 60 minutes in goal.

Norwich held a 35-31 advantage in ground balls and narrowly edged Plattsburgh in face-offs, 15-14.

The Cadets return to action on Wednesday, Mar. 4, traveling to intrastate rival Vermont State University Castleton for the 11th Annual Connor Roberts Memorial Game at 7:00 p.m.  The non-conference matchup honors the memory and legacy of Connor Roberts, a former Norwich midfielder who tragically passed away in 2014 following his sophomore season.  Since 2015, Norwich and VTSU Castleton have upheld the annual tradition in celebration of his life.