ALBION, Mich. – With an 18-11 victory over visiting Elmhurst College Tuesday night, Albion College served notice that it's surging as it begins defense of its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association men's lacrosse championship.

Albion, winners of four in a row to climb to .500 on the season, reached a season high in goals scored in a game.

"We talked a lot about why we play our non-conference schedule," Albion Head Coach Jake DeCola said. "We played a tough non-conference schedule. Elmhurst is well coached and athletic and a lot like what we'll see in conference. We look at our result tonight and we know what we need to work on to get ready for conference."

David DiRado and Cameron Braun combined for five goals in the first quarter as the Britons led 8-2 after 15 minutes of action. Dylan Neal dished out his second assist of the night on a goal by Brandon Leboida as Albion led 9-2 early in the second quarter.

"I think we did a nice job of getting out early and sharing the ball well," DeCola said. "We were so dynamic on the offensive end that it may have hurt us in that the defense got cold."

Braun finished with four goals, bringing his season total to 23. DiRado tacked on three goals and an assist.

By building the early lead, Albion was able to give playing time to some of the young players on the roster. John Cooke, a sophomore attacker, produced his first three goals of the season. Paul Lewis scored his first goal at the collegiate level.

Albion visits Kalamazoo College at 1 p.m. Saturday for its first MIAA match of the season.