PHILADELPHIA (02/15/03) - The Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse team dropped its season opener, 16-9, to Delaware this afternoon on the frozen tundra of Penn's Franklin Field. UDel raced to a 12-1 lead and was able to hold off a Hawk charge that outscored the Blue Hens (1-0) 8-4 over the last 27 minutes. The game, moved from Delaware's Rullo Stadium earlier in the week due to snow accumulation, was played with temperatues near 10 degrees. Freshman Brian Ponne netted his first career goal for the only Hawk tally for the first 33 minutes. Senior Alex Heidenberger scored a team-high three goals and freshman Keegan Wilkinson dished out program record seven assists to lead SJU (0-1). Freshman Travis McDonnell earned the start in the cage and made eight saves before giving way to sophomore Dan Morrissey, who stopped nine shots over the final 25 minutes. Delaware outshot the Crimson and Gray 44-34 on the afternoon and held an 18-10 advantage in face-offs. SJU welcomes Colgate for its home opener on the Finnessey Field turf on Saturday, February 22 at 3:30 p.m. Individual Scoring: Saint Joseph's - Alex Heidenberger - 3 goals; Kevin McGrann - 1 goal; Mark Lipscomb - 1 goal; Matt Mueller - 1 goal; Chris Ortel - 1 goal; Brian Ponne - 1 goal; Tommy Williams - 1 goal; Keegan Wilkinson - 7 assists; Delaware - Andy Hipple - 3 goals, 1 assist; Matt Alrich - 3 goals, 2 assists; Ryan Metzbower -2 goals, 1 assist; Bob Meunier - 2 goals; Andrew Benazzi - 1 goal; Xander Ritz - 1 goal, 3 assists; Adam Pugh - 1 goal; Luke Wiles - 1 goal; Ian Wright -1 goal; Ryan Overs - 1 goal; Steve Conlon - 1 assist. Shots: SJU - 34, Delaware - 44; Saves: SJU - 17 (Travis McDonnell, 35 minutes, 12 goals, 8 saves; Dan Morrissey, 25 minutes, 4 goals, 9 saves); Delaware - 12 (Chris Collins, 60 min., 9 goals, 12 saves); Groundballs: SJU - 25, Delaware - 47; Faceoffs: SJU - 10; Delaware - 18; Penalties: SJU - 8 for 7:30; Delaware - 11 for 10:30; Extra Man Goals: SJU - 5 for 11; Delaware - 3 for 8; Clears: SJU - na; Delaware - 16 for 20; Attendance: 250.