ANNAPOLIS, Md.-The VMI lacrosse team dropped its season opener Saturday against the Naval Academy, losing 10-2 to the country's #12-ranked team at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

The Midshipmen opened the scoring in the first period, as they tallied three markers in the contest's opening frame. VMI answered as last year's top Keydet scorer, senior Kevin Hill, scored at the 10:32 mark of the second quarter. Hill's unassisted goal was the 53rd tally of the New York native's career, placing him 17th on the all-time VMI list.

With the score 3-1, the Midshipmen's Joe Lennon converted to up the lead to 4-1. Navy fired 21 shots in the opening half, but only tallied four markers thanks to the strong effort of goalie Sean McCoy. The sophomore starting netminder turned away nine shots during an impressive first half effort.

Despite McCoy's efforts, Navy then scored three goals in the opening nine minutes of the third stanza, as well as a goal in the period's final minute. The Midshipmen's Nick Marabito was a catalyst in the run, as the senior scored a goal and assisted on another during the streak. The senior would add another assist in the fourth quarter, as Navy took a late10-1 lead.

With just over six minutes remaining, VMI responded with a goal from Brett Leonard. The sophomore midfielder converted on a pass from line mate Tim Moran to cut the final margin to 10-2.

McCoy turned in an impressive outing for VMI, as he stopped eleven shots on the day and grabbed three groundballs from his goaltender position. Also for the Keydets, Kevin Hill scooped up four groundballs to his second-period goal. VMI was able to fire off fourteen shots in the final stanza, and on the day, the Keydets were able to successfully clear 12-of-16 times.

The VMI lacrosse team will return to action Saturday, February 16, as they travel to West Point, N.Y., to face Army. That contest is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.