Exciting Start to the 2025 Big Ten Men’s Lacrosse Tournament: Penn State and Rutgers Shine
The 2025 Big Ten Men’s Lacrosse Tournament kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere this past Saturday, as Penn State and Rutgers triumphed in their quarterfinal matchups. The stage is now set for the upcoming semifinals in Ann Arbor.
Rutgers Upends Michigan in a Thrilling Quarterfinal
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – In a stunning upset, No. 5 seed Rutgers dashed the hopes of tournament hosts No. 4 Michigan with a hard-fought 11-8 victory. Just two weeks prior, the Scarlet Knights (7-8) faced a narrow defeat to the Wolverines, falling 8-6 at home in Piscataway.
Despite a rocky start, where they found themselves down 2-0 early, Rutgers displayed remarkable resilience. The Scarlet Knights engineered an impressive 17 turnovers, showcasing their defensive prowess. Their scoring was a true team effort, with eight different players finding the back of the net. Notably, All-Big Ten First Team goalie Cardin Stoller made a significant impact, saving eight crucial shots throughout the match.
Rutgers now gears up for a challenging semifinal clash against the top-seeded Ohio State, scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.
Penn State Holds Off Johns Hopkins in Nail-Biter
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Meanwhile, No. 3 seed Penn State battled their way to a nail-biting 13-12 victory over No. 6 Johns Hopkins, securing their spot in the semifinals.
The Nittany Lions (10-3) seemed to take command late in the game, pulling ahead 13-9 after Ethan Long netted his 13th goal of the season with only 6:40 remaining. However, a fierce response from the Blue Jays saw them score three consecutive goals, closing the gap to just one point with 2:51 on the clock. Yet, the steadfast Penn State defense, led by the impressive efforts of Will Costin and Long, held firm to seal the win.
Kyle Lehman emerged as the standout player, leading all scorers with four goals and contributing an assist. Meanwhile, Matt Traynor, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, played a pivotal role with two goals, an assist, and five groundballs.
The Nittany Lions are set to clash with No. 2 seed Maryland in a rematch from last year’s semifinals, scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. EST. Fans can catch all the action at the U-M Lacrosse Stadium, broadcasted live on the Big Ten Network.
What’s Next for the Big Ten Tournament?
The Big Ten Men’s Lacrosse Tournament continues to unfold, showcasing fierce competition and thrilling moments. With the semifinals fast approaching, fans can look forward to exhilarating matchups and the chance for teams to prove their mettle on one of the largest stages in collegiate lacrosse.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we move closer to crowning the Big Ten champion. For the full tournament bracket, check it out here.
Engage with us as the excitement of the tournaments continues to rise! Who do you think will take home the trophy?
