A Max effort powered the Hope College men's lacrosse team to a satisfying start to the 2017 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association season.

Freshman Max Kuiper of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS) scored a game-high five goals as the Flying Dutchmen defeated Alma 15-9 on a cold and soggy night at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Kuiper put Hope ahead for good at 4-3 with six minutes remaining in the first period, then added goals over each of the next three periods.

The Flying Dutchmen (6-3 overall) topped the second-ranked team in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll. Hope was fourth.

Kuiper now has 20 goals on the season — second to teammate Rocco Mularoni of Hartland, Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central).

Freshman Andrew Pavey of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Eastern) chipped in three goals, including two during a see-saw first period that included three ties and four lead changes.

Mularoni and sophomore Gino Battaglia of Lebanon, Ohio (Lebanon) each added two goals apiece.

Freshman goalie Nick Schanhals of North Muskegon, Michigan (North Muskegon) made 13 saves for the Flying Dutchmen.

Hope returns to action on Saturday, April 8 with a 1 p.m. match against Adrian. It's an It's On Us match in support of April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month.