LEWISTON — The Bates College men’s lacrosse team won its home opener on Wednesday, defeating Babson 18-9.

Fourteenth-ranked Bates (1-1) was led by Clarke Jones, who had five goals. Babson scored first, but Jones’ first goal sparked a 9-0 run to begin the game.

Eli Cooper was pivotal for Bates, winning 18-22 faceoffs and tallying a career-high 11 ground balls.

Babson (1-1) never got within six goals after Bates’ fast start. Niall Dillon led Babson with two goals, while Samuel Mishkind had a goal on six shots and grabbed six ground balls.

Bates is back in action Saturday when the Bobcats visit NESCAC foe Middlebury.

Women’s lacrosse

Bates 21, Wellesley 5

WELLESLEY — Liv Sandford, Katie Allard and Sydney Howard all notched hat tricks and career-highs in scoring as the Bates women’s lacrosse team rolled to a 21-5 victory over Wellesley on Wednesday.

Sandford and Allard both led Bates (2-0) with four goals a piece, while Sandford had three and tallied an assist and three ground balls. Bates is averaging 20 goals a game in its first two contests of the year.

Dacia Persky of Wellesley (0-1) scored three goals.

The Bobcats will play their home opener and conference opener this Saturday at noon against fourth-ranked Middlebury.