Lakewood, N.J. - Georgian Court University's 353-day hiatus is officially in the rearview mirror as the Lions returned to action in a big way, securing a thrilling 12-8 come-from-behind victory over visiting Lake Erie College, Saturday afternoon in the season-opener for both squads.

The contest marks GCU's first competition since March 11, 2020 at home vs. St. Anselm College.

Connor Dent (Jr.-Ottawa, Ontario) netted the initial tally of the game at 10:55 of the first, putting the Storm in front, 1-0. The Lions answered with four unanswered scores, including a pair by Devin Bell, to create a 4-1 surplus with just 0:45 to go in the first period.

In a game of streaks, Lake Erie created its own offensive tidal wave as the visitors ripped six-straight goals, building a 7-4 advantage with 3:35 left before intermission. Georgian Court proceeded to show off its mettle by answering with an eight-goal explosion, including two with a man-advantage, as the Lions created an insurmountable 12-7 deficit for Lake Erie (0-1).

The aforementioned Bell paced the Lions as he dialed up a game-high five goals in the win. Daniel Burnham collected five points for the victors (3 goals, 2 assists) while Dylan Pool distributed four helpers. Tallen Smith netted his first two career goals sporting the royal and gold.

Dent and teammate Blain Wallace (Sr.-Windsor, Ontario) each found the back of the net twice for LEC. JP Napier (Gr.-Pickerington, Ohio) added a goal and an assist for the Storm. Jackman Schooley (So.-Windsor, Ontario) dished two assists in the effort.

Despite the result, Lake Erie still managed to outshoot its host, 42-34. and owned a 25-22 edge when it came to shots-on-goal. Austin Geissel, the reigning CACC Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year, picked up right where he left off as the GCU netminder secured 17 saves in the complete-game victory.

Lincoln Potter (Sr.-Adelaide, Australia) earned 10 saves for the Storm.

The Lions (1-0) take to the road for its next outing as they trek to non-conference Molloy College on Wednesday, March 10. Face off is set for 7:00 pm.