Stevenson, Md. -- Attackman Riley Hastings broke the program record for points in a single game with 13 on eight goals and five assists against a top-two nationally-ranked team as the University of Lynchburg men's lacrosse team took down Christopher Newport, 22-21, on Friday afternoon at Mustang Stadium for the first game of the 2026 Callum Robinson Mustang Classic.

Hastings led the No. 4/4 Hornets (5-0) to victory over the No. 2/2 Captains (9-1) with an offensive masterclass that not only set the single-game points record, but also tied for second in the Lynchburg record books for goals scored in a game with eight. The senior capped his star-studded performance with the game-winning goal, a step-down shot from 15 yards out with 31 seconds left placed perfectly in the bottom left corner.

After the Captains regained possession from the faceoff following Hastings' goal, CNU's Jackson Platner cut down the left alley and fired on cage with 16 seconds to go, but goalkeeper Eric Allen came up clutch with a tough stop to deny the Captains. Thadeo Hyland found the rock in a scrum and heaved it downfield as the Hornets stood triumphant against a top-three nationally ranked team for the second time this season.

Riley Frankel's domination at the X smashed the program record for most faceoff wins in a contest and was a significant key to Lynchburg's win. The Durham, N.C. product went 33-for-43 on the draw, beating out the previous record by five faceoff wins. His 15 ground balls also tied for second all-time in Hornets history for GBs in a single outing.

Christopher Newport opened the scoring early in the first quarter, but Kayden Hinchey answered with a goal assisted by Kolbe Haug to tie the game at one apiece. Hastings and Finn Schmidt each added goals to give Lynchburg a 3-2 lead midway through the first period. CNU responded with a late run to take a 6-3 advantage before Hastings scored twice in the last 11 seconds of the quarter to cut the deficit to 6-5 heading into the second.

The Hornets battled back in the second quarter. After Christopher Newport extended its lead to 8-5, Luke Meadows scored off an assist from Parker Sealey and Hastings followed with two goals to tie the game at 8-8. Hinchey and Will Rubley each scored in the final seconds of the half to give Lynchburg a 10-8 lead at the break.

Lynchburg pushed its advantage in the third quarter with goals from Spencer Vandenberg, Cole Oprandi, Rubley, Schmidt, and Liam Holman, building a 16-10 lead before Christopher Newport rallied late to close the gap to 17-15 entering the fourth quarter.

The teams traded goals throughout the final period. Vandenberg and Holman helped Lynchburg maintain a narrow lead, but the Captains briefly moved ahead 20-19 with just over five minutes remaining. Hastings tied the game with 4:08 left, and after another CNU goal, Hastings scored again off a pass from Rubley to make it 21-21 with 2:41 remaining. Hastings then delivered the decisive goal with 31 seconds left, assisted by Oprandi, to secure the 22-21 victory.

While Hastings' spectacular performance headlined, eight Hornets tallied mutli-point days. Vandenberg notched an impressive six points on four goals and two assists. Holman finished with two goals and three assists, and Rubley added two goals and one assist. Meadows (1g, 1a), Oprandi (1g, 1a), Schmidt (2g), and Hinchey (2g) rounded out Hornet performers with mutliple points. Lynchburg also owned massive advantaged in ground balls (40-19) and faceoffs (36-11) in the win.

The Hornets have a quick turnaround for their second and final game of the Callum Robinson Mustang Classic, taking on another heavyweight in No. 9/8 Gettysburg on Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m. in Mustang Stadium.

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