Gunnar Elder jumped into attack mode, and the Hope College men's lacrosse team made its home opener a rousing success. The Flying Dutchmen defeated Hiram, Ohio 16-7 on Thursday at Van Andel Stadium behind a match-high six goals from Elder.

The junior from East Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids HS) became the first Hope varsity player to reach 100 goals in a career after matching his season-high for goals in a game. Elder has 101 in 32 matches.

Elder struck twice in a span of 3 minutes, 55 seconds during the first period to stake the Flying Dutch a 2-1 lead.

Hope (1-3 overall) extended its lead to 4-1 before Hiram strung together three consecutive goals. The Flying Dutchmen answered with four goals over the final 5:14 of the first half to pull ahead 8-4.

Elder's man-up goal with 34 seconds in the second quarter capped the decisive surge against Hiram (0-2).

Freshman Gino Battaglia of Lebanon, Ohio (Lebanon HS) chipped in four goals. He ranks second on Hope with eight goals this season.

Junior Zach Weber of Ann Arbor, Michigan (Pioneer HS) recorded two goals.

Goalie Joey Williams of Farmington Hills, Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central HS) collected six saves.

The Flying Dutchmen return to action on Wednesday, March 16 when they host Defiance, Ohio at 6 p.m. at Van Andel Stadium.