(LAKELAND, Fla.) – Friday's season opener in sunny Floriday went down to the wire, but Walsh dropped a nail-biting 9-8 decision in overtime to hosting Florida Southern at Bryant Stadium. The Cavaliers will remain in Florida to take on Tampa on Sunday.

The Cavs benefitted heavily from Florida Southern penalties with five goals on six man-up opportunities. Three consecutive power play goals were scored in the third quarter. Bryan Crim scored the final two in that run en route to his four-goal performance. However, the Mocs (2-1) battled back and scored four of the last five goals in the game to take the win.

Frank Savena added another man-up goal with 5:53 to go in regulation, but the Mocs won the ensuing faceoff and scored 13 seconds later to tie the game at 8-8. With 1:29 left in overtime, Florida Southern's Cody Gray scored the game-winner.

In addition to Crim and Savena, Ryan Martin, Alex Hudgens, and Benjamin Suchomma also added goals for the Maroon and Gold. Martin and Nicholas Castorf also added assists on the evening.

Defensively Mark Guzik led the Cavs with three caused turnovers and recovered four ground balls. Ryan Rafac picked up a game-high five ground balls. In addition to causing three turnovers himself, Dylan Ciolino made 11 saves on 28 shots faced.

Next up for the Cavaliers are the Spartans of Tampa. Faceoff on Sunday is set for 1 p.m.