PISCATAWAY, N.J. – A Heartbreak on Senior Day as Rutgers Falls to Michigan
On a day dedicated to honoring its remarkable senior class, No. 18 Rutgers men’s lacrosse team faced a tough defeat against No. 14 Michigan, ending the game with a score of 8-6. The atmosphere was electric as 3,023 fans gathered to celebrate not just the seniors, but also alumni from various eras of the program.
Celebrating Legacy: Senior and Alumni Day
Rutgers took the opportunity to pay tribute to an 11-member senior class during a touching pregame ceremony. This event was even more special as the university celebrated Alumni Appreciation Day, welcoming back former athletes who had paved the way for future generations. At halftime, the crowd honored the 1955, 1975, and 1990 teams, celebrating their legacy in Rutger’s storied history. To honor the memories of Bob Andrews, Steve Kielb, and Jack Orizzi, special nameplates were displayed on the jerseys—a poignant reminder of the impact these individuals had on the program.
Key Performers: Kurdyla Shines Amidst Adversity
In spite of the heart-wrenching loss, a few Scarlet Knights stood out on the field. Colin Kurdyla was undoubtedly the star of the day, leading the team with a hat trick. His three goals, combined with contributions from Colin Zeller, Justin Lawler, and Logan Peters, kept Rutgers in contention throughout the game. The Scarlet Knights’ goalkeeper, Cardin Stoller, was also impressive, recording 14 saves and boasting a save percentage of 63.6%. Meanwhile, Matthew Paolatto dominated at the faceoff circle, winning 72% of his battles.
However, Rutgers faced significant challenges, notably a staggering 25 turnovers, which proved pivotal. Their struggles on the extra-man offense (0-for-5) disrupted the flow of play, leaving the Scarlet Knights unable to capitalize on key opportunities. Ironically, despite winning the ground ball battle 39-22, the shot count ended even at 37-37.
Game Overview: A Rollercoaster of Momentum
The match unfolded as a classic seesaw battle. Rutgers began strong, scoring the first two goals and leading 3-0 at one point. After a fierce response from Michigan that saw them take a 3-0 run, the first quarter ended in a 3-3 tie. Remarkably, neither team found the back of the net in the second quarter, showcasing intense defensive play.
Coming out of halftime, momentum swung back to the Scarlet Knights as Kurdyla netted two goals, giving Rutgers a fleeting 5-4 lead. However, Michigan’s prowess reemerged, allowing them to reclaim the upper hand and extend their lead to 7-5 early in the fourth quarter. Kurdyla’s final goal reduced the deficit to 7-6, but Michigan sealed the victory with their last goal, concluding the match at 8-6.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Big Ten Tournament
The Scarlet Knights now set their sights on next week’s showdown against No. 8 Penn State. Scheduled for April 18th at 6 PM, this game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. A victory would not only boost the team’s morale but also solidify their position in the conference standings, potentially earning them a favorable seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
As senior Matthew Paolatto summed it up: “These seniors have meant so much to this program. It’s upsetting that we couldn’t get the win today, but we’ll learn from our mistakes and look to bounce back next week.” With the stakes high and a fierce determination to succeed, the Scarlet Knights will undoubtedly be ready to contend for glory in their next match.
For complete statistics and team information, visit [Rutgers Men’s Lacrosse](https://scarletknights.com/sports/mens-lacrosse).
