COLUMBIA, Mo. - The (RV) Columbia College men's lacrosse team opened up Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play tonight with a 18-1 win over Midland University. The Cougars move to 4-3 on the season. 

Columbia wasted no time establishig control. Kai Garriock struck three times in the first quarter alone to put Columbia up 3-0, and there was no looking back. By halftime the lead grew to 8-1, with Garriock adding a fourth goal and contributions from Adam Spriggs, Nico Andrews, Drake Morrissey, and Brock Pleis.

Garriock was the undeniable story of the night. The junior finished with a stunning 8 goals on 9 shots, including the game's first three and the final goal with 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter. He also drew a pair of slashing penalties in the second quarter that resulted in a double minor.

Nico Andrews was equally sharp, tallying 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points. Morrissey and Spriggs each chipped in 2 goals, while Jack McDowell rounded out the scoring with a goal and an assist. Will Rivenburgh and Pleis each added a goal of their own.

Columbia's dominance showed across the stat sheet, outshooting Midland 52-18, winning the ground ball battle 34-24, and holding a commanding 17-28 edge in limiting turnovers. Goalkeeper Bryce Peltier played the first half, allowing just one goal before Andrew Stapf closed things out with a clean second half.

Midland's lone bright spot was Asher Thomas, who scored the Warriors' only goal with 1:30 left in the second quarter.

Columbia will continue their conference stretch on Saturday March, 21 with a home match-up against (RV) Saint Ambrose University at 3:00 p.m.