Men’s Lacrosse Shines: Rutgers Shocks No. 13 Michigan in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals
A Historic Victory for the Scarlet Knights
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – In a thrilling showdown that showcased the fierce competitiveness of college lacrosse, the Rutgers men’s lacrosse team claimed a significant victory over No. 13 Michigan, winning 11-8 in the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals. This triumph not only advances the Scarlet Knights to the semifinals but also extends their 2025 season.
A Standout Performance
Leading the charge was Colin Kurdyla, who delivered a masterful performance with four goals and two assists, cementing his status as a key player in this exhilarating match. Following this victory, Rutgers improved its overall record to 7-8, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal clash against the top-seeded Ohio State, scheduled for May 1 at 5 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.
Game Highlights
Rutgers dominated the stats, outshooting Michigan 44-31 and forcing the Wolverines into making 17 turnovers. Other notable contributions came from Colin Kelly and JJ Aiello, who both scored, while Haydn Sommer tallied three assists, showcasing the deep talent embedded in the Scarlet Knights’ roster.
First Half: Battling for Control
The match began with Michigan racing to an early 2-0 lead, capitalizing on a man-up situation. But Rutgers quickly responded with a phenomenal 3-0 run within four minutes, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. Key plays included Logan Peters finding the net and Justin Lawler breaking loose to score. Kurdyla netted the equalizer just before the first quarter ended, firing in a crucial goal with 0.4 seconds remaining.
Score at the end of the first quarter: Rutgers 3, Michigan 3.
Tactical Adjustments and Momentum Shifts
As the second quarter unfolded, RU began winning faceoffs and took charge with a quick goal from Colin Kelly, re-establishing their lead at 5-4. Though Michigan briefly tied the score, Kurdyla’s sharp movements on the field helped Rutgers close the half with a 6-5 edge, heading into the locker room with momentum on their side.
Second Half Surge
The intensity ramped up in the third quarter. Michigan evened the score early, but Rutgers responded decisively with a 3-0 run, featuring back-to-back goals from both Kurdyla and Kelly. When Greyson Vorgang scored during an extra-man opportunity, RU’s lead stretched to 9-6.
Despite Michigan’s attempts to claw their way back into contention, Kurdyla completed his hat trick to push the lead to 10-7. He later added another goal, marking his spectacular performance with a total of four goals for the day. A late Michigan goal would prove insufficient as Rutgers sealed the victory.
Postgame Insights and Records
The victory marked several significant milestones for the Scarlet Knights:
- Colin Kurdyla achieved a career-high of four goals against a Big Ten opponent.
- The team extended their all-time series lead over Michigan to 11-1.
- This win also marked Rutgers’ first-ever Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal victory since the tournament format was introduced in 2023.
Next Up for Rutgers
As they prepare for a high-stakes matchup against Ohio State, the Scarlet Knights have a chance to make further history. This semifinal showdown promises to be an exciting encounter, with Rutgers aiming to harness their momentum and achieve even greater heights in the tournament.
Stay Updated
Catch all the action on May 1 at 5 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as Rutgers seeks to continue their journey through this challenging tournament.
For more information about the Big Ten Tournament and to follow the Scarlet Knights’ journey, explore Big Ten Lacrosse.
This engaging overview captures the excitement of the game while weaving in essential details, ensuring an appealing reading experience for fans and followers of college lacrosse alike.
