GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Cole Friesen and Clayton Crockett picked up right where they left off in 2023.  Friesen scored a pair of goals, and Crockett had two assists, to lead visiting Whitworth to a season-opening 3-1 victory over University of Providence on Friday evening.

Friesen, who scored a school-record 24 goals last year, tallied twice for the Pirates in the first half.  His first one came in the 16^th minute from an assist by Crockett.  Friesen made it 2-0 with less then a minute to play before halftime off an assist by Dominic Gusman.

Lucas Joehnk scored his first goal of the season in the 55^th minute.  Crockett, who led the Pirates with eight assists in 2023, had his second of the match.

The Argos (1-2) scored their only goal in the 67^th minute by Tomeu Nebot-Schmalfe.  Liam Vaux had the assist.

Overall shots were even 11-11.  Whitworth had a 6-5 edge in shots on-goal.  Anton Dersham started in goal for the Pirates and played 75 minutes, allowing one goal with three saves.  Dax Flanders finished the final 15 minutes in his first career match.  He had one save.

Whitworth will complete its weekend trip to Montana with a contest at Carroll College on Saturday afternoon.