Title: Clash in Columbus: Notre Dame Set for NCAA Showdown with Ohio State
In what promises to be a defining clash of collegiate lacrosse powerhouses, the top-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s lacrosse team is slated to face No. 4 Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. Set against the roaring backdrop of Ohio Stadium, this high-stakes matchup brings together two storied programs with championship ambitions and a long-standing competitive fire.
Notre Dame enters the tournament riding the momentum of a dominant regular season, boasting a 12–2 record and an ACC title under their belt. Head Coach Kevin Corrigan, in his 36th season, has sculpted one of the most complete squads in the nation — a dynamic fusion of physicality, finesse, and tactical brilliance. Leading the charge is Tewaaraton Award finalist Liam Entenmann, a senior goalie whose lightning-fast reflexes and field vision have made him the bedrock of the Irish defense. On the offensive end, junior attackman Chris Kavanagh continues to dazzle with his uncanny ability to thread passes through tight seams and find the back of the net from impossible angles.
But standing in their path is an Ohio State team hungry to rewrite the narrative. Seeded fourth, the Buckeyes have flown under the radar for most of the season, quietly compiling a 10–4 record, punctuated by gritty wins over Big Ten rivals Johns Hopkins and Maryland. Their rise has been driven by a blue-collar ethos and the leadership of Head Coach Nick Myers, who has instilled a relentless work ethic in his players. Senior faceoff specialist Jake Withers has been nearly unbeatable at the X, giving the Buckeyes crucial possessions in tight games. On defense, All-American LSM Bryce Anes anchors a disciplined unit that thrives on forcing turnovers and punishing clears.
Saturday’s game is expected to be a tactical chess match. Notre Dame’s high-tempo, precision offense will be tested by Ohio State’s physical, zone-heavy defense. The midfield battle could be decisive, with Notre Dame’s Eric Dobson and Ohio State’s Marcus Hudgins both capable of turning the tide with big plays in transition.
Though history slightly favors the Irish — Notre Dame has won five of their last six meetings with the Buckeyes — this NCAA matchup resets the stakes. The last time these two teams met in postseason play, it ended in a double-overtime thriller, with Notre Dame narrowly escaping with a 13–12 victory.
With a berth in the NCAA quarterfinals hanging in the balance, emotions will run high in Columbus. The Fighting Irish, aiming for their second national title, know that every possession counts. For the Buckeyes, a victory over the top seed would mark a historic step forward in their program’s evolution.
As the stadium lights blaze and the opening whistle echoes across the turf, one truth remains: in the crucible of tournament lacrosse, only the toughest survive — and Saturday, toughness will be measured one ground ball, one save, one goal at a time.
