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Penn State Men’s Lacrosse Makes Historic Comeback Against Notre Dame

The Penn State men's lacrosse team celebrating their impressive come-from-behind victory against Notre Dame in the NCAA Quarterfinals.

News Summary

The No. 7 Penn State men’s lacrosse team achieved a stunning victory over No. 5 Notre Dame, overcoming a six-goal deficit to win 14-12 in the NCAA Quarterfinals. After a challenging first half, Penn State rallied impressively in the second half, outscoring Notre Dame 5-0 in the final quarter. Matt Traynor led the Nittany Lions with six goals, while pivotal defensive performances helped secure their spot in the NCAA Final Four, marking their third appearance in program history.

Penn State Men’s Lacrosse Stages Epic Comeback to Defeat Notre Dame 14-12 in NCAA Quarterfinals

Annapolis, Maryland – The No. 7 Penn State men’s lacrosse team pulled off a stunning comeback against No. 5 Notre Dame, winning 14-12 in the NCAA Quarterfinals held at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The victory marked a significant achievement as the Nittany Lions overcame a six-goal deficit to secure a spot in the NCAA Final Four.

Initially, the game appeared to be dominated by Notre Dame, who held an 8-3 lead at halftime following a strong second quarter where they netted seven goals. Penn State, however, began their rally in the second half, narrowing the score to 12-9 by the end of the third quarter. Their momentum continued into the fourth, allowing them to outscore the Fighting Irish 5-0 and complete the comeback.

Matt Traynor was the standout player for Penn State, scoring a game-high six goals along with one assist, totaling seven points. His offensive performance was complemented by teammates Ethan Long and Kyle Lehman, both of whom achieved hat tricks. Long additionally contributed an assist, marking a significant career milestone by reaching 100 career points during the match. Liam Matthews and Hunter Aquino each added one goal to the team’s total, further enhancing the Tigers’ scoring output.

Defensively, Jack Fracyon excelled in the goal, making nine key saves and gathering three ground balls. Alex Ross led the close defense, causing two turnovers and collecting three ground balls as well. Their collective effort was critical in stifling Notre Dame’s scoring opportunities during key moments of the game, particularly in the final quarter where they denied the Irish repeated chances to score.

The match began with Notre Dame taking the early lead at 3-2 in the first quarter, showcasing their offensive capabilities. However, it was their second quarter that proved decisive in establishing their early dominance, allowing them to build a five-goal cushion by halftime. Despite the challenging situation, Penn State remained determined and made tactical adjustments that played a crucial role in their turnaround.

As the game progressed into the later stages of the third quarter, Penn State found their rhythm, striking back with confidence and determination. Their relentless effort culminated in an impressive final quarter performance, granting them the lead and ultimately the victory. Notre Dame’s Chris Kavanagh, who had several opportunities to change the course of the game in the final moments, was unable to find the back of the net, exemplifying the Nittany Lions’ resilience and strong defensive play.

This triumph marks Penn State’s third appearance in the NCAA Final Four in the history of their program and the first since 2023. The Nittany Lions will be aiming to build on this momentum as they prepare to face No. 1 Cornell in the NCAA Semifinals, scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at Gillette Stadium. As anticipation builds for this match, Penn State’s remarkable comeback serves as a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unwavering spirit in the competition.