Michigan, Penn State Win Quarterfinal Matches to Open Big Ten Tournament

The 2024 Big Ten Men's Lacrosse Tournament began Saturday with Michigan and Penn State winning quarterfinal matches. The field is now set for the semifinals next Thursday in Columbus.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — No. 4 seed Michigan made it two wins in as many weeks against No. 5 seed Ohio State with a 15-9 win in the Big Ten tournament opener.

Trailing 3-1 late in the first period, the 19th-ranked Wolverines went on a 6-2 run leading into halftime and never trailed thereafter. Ryan Cohen and Justin Tiernan recorded hat tricks while Michael Boehm recorded a game-high four points (2 goals, 2 assists). The Buckeyes (6-9) were led offensively by Kurt Brunn's three goals and Jack McKenna's three points (2-1). The teams finished even in faceoffs (14-for-28).

The 19th-ranked Wolverines (8-6) will meet No. 1 seed and third-ranked Johns Hopkins (10-3) on Thursday at 6 p.m. in a semifinal match carried by BTN.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — No. 3 seed Penn State moved on to the semifinals with a 14-8 win over No. 6 seed Rutgers at Panzer Stadium.

The Nittany Lions (11-3) received a stellar effort from goalie Jack Fracyon, the Big Ten's Specialist of the Year, whose 18 saves were the second-most in a tournament game. At the other end of the field, Rutgers freshman Cardin Stoller was equally up to the task, making 18 saves as well.

TJ Malone, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, provided a game-high seven points off four goals and three assists for Penn State. PSU scored four goals in the second period to open a three goal lead, then held Rutgers (7-8) to just three second-half goals. Rutgers did received a hat trick from Colin Kurdyla.

Penn State will take on No. 2 seed Maryland on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. inside the Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium.