Notre Dame Lacrosse Dominates Rival Ohio State to Clinch Spot in NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals With Impressive All-Around Performance

The Notre Dame men’s lacrosse team advanced to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals in emphatic fashion on Sunday, delivering a resounding 17-9 victory over bitter rival Ohio State. The Fighting Irish, ranked among the nation’s top programs all season, showed exactly why they’re considered a national title contender, dominating from the opening whistle and never allowing the Buckeyes a chance to settle in. With the win, Notre Dame moves one step closer to its ultimate goal: a national championship.

From the outset, the Irish were locked in. The opening faceoff was scooped up cleanly, and within seconds, Notre Dame was on the board thanks to an explosive dodge and finish by star attacker Pat Kavanagh. That early score set the tone, and Notre Dame’s offense never looked back. The unit moved the ball crisply, created high-quality shots, and overwhelmed an Ohio State defense that had looked solid in recent weeks. The Buckeyes simply couldn’t keep pace.

The Kavanagh brothers—Pat and Chris—put on a show in South Bend, combining for eight points and orchestrating an attack that was as fluid as it was relentless. Pat finished with three goals and two assists, while Chris added two goals and one assist, including a behind-the-back finish that electrified the crowd and sent the Notre Dame sideline into a frenzy. It was a performance that reminded everyone why the duo is considered one of the most dangerous pairings in college lacrosse.

But this win wasn’t just about the offense. Notre Dame’s defense played with intensity, intelligence, and physicality throughout the contest. Senior close defender Chris Fake locked down Ohio State’s leading scorer, holding him to just one goal on five shots. Meanwhile, long-stick midfielder Will Lynch was everywhere—scooping ground balls, disrupting passing lanes, and even assisting on a fast-break goal in the third quarter. The Irish held Ohio State scoreless for long stretches of the second and third quarters, allowing their own offense to pull away.

In goal, Liam Entenmann was a wall. The veteran netminder made 14 saves, many of them from close range, and frustrated the Buckeyes with his positioning and poise. Entenmann’s performance was critical, especially in the early minutes when Ohio State tried to mount a response after falling behind. Each time the Buckeyes threatened to swing momentum, Entenmann came up big—smothering shots and immediately starting clean clears to keep Notre Dame on the front foot.

That transition game was another key area of dominance for the Irish. Time and again, they turned defense into offense with blistering speed. Midfielders Eric Dobson and Jake Taylor both benefited from fast-break situations, each scoring on quick-strike opportunities that left the Ohio State defense reeling. The Buckeyes tried to adjust by slowing the pace, but Notre Dame’s depth and conditioning kept them pushing the tempo until the final whistle.

Ohio State’s lone run came late in the second quarter, when they strung together three straight goals to cut the deficit to 8-5. For a moment, it seemed as if they might make a game of it. But that momentum shift was brief. Out of a timeout, Notre Dame responded immediately with two goals in less than a minute—one from a pinpoint Kavanagh feed to Dobson, and another on a solo effort by freshman standout Jordan Faison, who bulldozed his way through two defenders before burying a low shot.

The Irish carried a 10-5 lead into halftime and opened the third quarter with another scoring burst. A highlight-reel goal from Chris Kavanagh—dodging from behind the cage and finishing over his shoulder—ignited the crowd and symbolized Notre Dame’s control. By the midpoint of the third, the score had ballooned to 14-6, and the game was all but over. From there, it was a matter of execution and clock management.

Head coach Kevin Corrigan praised his team’s complete performance afterward, noting the focus and discipline his squad brought to the game. “We knew Ohio State was going to fight—we’ve played them enough to know they never go away,” Corrigan said. “But I’m proud of how our guys executed. From the first whistle to the last, we played with energy, purpose, and trust in each other. That’s what we’re going to need moving forward.”

Indeed, the Irish look like a team peaking at the right time. After a regular season that included signature wins over Duke, Virginia, and Maryland, Notre Dame entered the NCAA Tournament as one of the favorites to make a run. Sunday’s performance only solidified their standing. The offense is humming. The defense is cohesive. The goaltending is elite. And most importantly, the team is healthy and confident.

For Ohio State, the loss marked the end of a season filled with ups and downs. While the Buckeyes showed flashes of brilliance throughout the year, they couldn’t match Notre Dame’s firepower or depth. Head coach Nick Myers acknowledged the challenge afterward, saying, “Notre Dame’s a terrific team. They earned this one. We’re proud of our guys, but today just wasn’t our day.”

As the Irish look ahead to the quarterfinals, they know the road only gets tougher. Awaiting them is a matchup with Johns Hopkins, a program with a rich postseason pedigree and a roster loaded with talent. It’s a classic blue-blood battle in the making, and Notre Dame will need to replicate Sunday’s effort to advance further.

But with Pat Kavanagh leading the charge and Entenmann anchoring the defense, the Irish believe they have what it takes to win it all. There’s a quiet confidence within this group—a sense that this could be the year they finally raise the trophy that has eluded them in past campaigns. Veterans and underclassmen alike are locked in, unified by a common goal and strengthened by their shared experiences.

Senior captain Jack Simmons summed it up best when he said, “We’ve been through the grind. We’ve played in the big games. We’ve faced adversity. And we’re still standing. That’s what Notre Dame lacrosse is all about. We’re not satisfied with just getting to the quarters. We want more.”

If Sunday’s performance was any indication, they’re ready to go get it.

The Irish faithful packed the stands at Arlotta Stadium, and their support didn’t go unnoticed. Fans waved flags, chanted, and erupted with each goal, creating an atmosphere that clearly energized the team. After the final whistle, players took a lap around the field, acknowledging the crowd and soaking in the moment. It was a celebration of a team on a mission and a community rallying behind them.

Now, the focus shifts to preparation. Film sessions, practice reps, and mental readiness will be key in the coming days. Coach Corrigan and his staff have been here before and know how to manage the pressure of the postseason. They’ll ensure their team is sharp, grounded, and ready for whatever challenge lies ahead.

And make no mistake—Notre Dame isn’t just happy to be here. They have their eyes on Championship Weekend and beyond. Sunday’s win was a statement, not just to Ohio State, but to the rest of the college lacrosse world: Notre Dame is here, and they’re not backing down.

If they continue to play like they did against the Buckeyes, the rest of the field better take notice. The Fighting Irish are marching on, and they have every intention of finishing the job.