In an exciting turn of events, Penn State’s lacrosse team recently triumphed over Notre Dame in a breathtaking comeback during the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. Their impressive performance saw them score six goals in the fourth quarter, sealing a decisive victory. Now, all eyes are on Saturday when the Nittany Lions will clash with Cornell in the highly anticipated semifinals, aiming for their first appearance in the NCAA championship game.
The Nittany Lions previously faced Cornell earlier this season, claiming victory in a matchup that contributed to the Big Red’s only loss of their impressive 16-1 record. Historically, Penn State holds a narrow lead in their rivalry with Cornell, boasting a 25-23 advantage. Key victories for the Nittany Lions include a decisive 20-9 win at home and a hard-fought 10-6 battle in Ithaca over the past two years.
However, this game won’t be easy for Penn State. Cornell has been a dominant force, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation since March 17, and boasts seven Inside Lacrosse All-Americans. They have their sights set on securing their fourth national championship title within the NCAA era.
On the other hand, Penn State isn’t without its strengths. The Nittany Lions feature five All-Americans, including Matt Traynor, who made a significant impact as the sixth overall pick in the Premier Lacrosse League draft. Traynor stands out as the Big Ten leader in both goals and points per game and was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
The matchup will also highlight the talents of Cornell’s CJ Kirst, the top overall pick in the PLL draft, who has amassed a remarkable 108 points and 76 goals this season. Although Kirst was held to only two goals in their previous encounter, the expectation is that he will bring a renewed energy to this critical game.
Adding another layer to the matchup is Penn State head coach Jeff Tambroni’s connection with Cornell, where he previously led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances but never clinched the championship title. With a personal stake in the upcoming game against his former team, Tambroni is expected to bring an intense passion to the field.
As anticipation mounts for the opening draw at noon on Saturday, this game shapes up as a narrative of an underdog striving for greatness against a reigning powerhouse seeking to reclaim its throne. The winner will advance to the national championship game, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown on May 26.