Heartbreaker: No. 15 Terriers Fall Short Against No. 12 Duke with a 12-7 Defeat

Boston University’s men’s lacrosse team faced a tough challenge on Saturday, losing 12-7 to the 12th-ranked Duke Blue Devils at Nickerson Field. Despite the defeat, there were standout performances, particularly from senior Jimmy O’Connell, who scored two goals and assisted on three others.

The game started evenly, with both teams tied 2-2 after the first quarter. However, Duke took control in the second quarter, outscoring BU 5-1 to build a significant 7-3 lead by halftime. O’Connell managed to net a goal early in the third quarter, but Duke quickly answered back, extending their lead and ultimately securing the victory.

Freshman Timothy Shannehan also shone brightly, contributing two goals and an assist, while junior Jimmy Kohr added a goal and two assists to the mix. Sophomore Donald Varnerin scored in transition, and freshman Andrew Pape found success with the team’s only man-up goal.

Defensively, junior Connor Kehm stood out with a career-high seven ground balls and three caused turnovers. His performance, alongside senior Trey Brown, helped BU force Duke into eight failed clears. The Terriers showed resilience, executing well with a 21-for-23 success rate in clearing attempts.

Key Moments

• Duke struck first within 50 seconds of the game.
• Pape scored for BU with a crucial man-up goal late in the first quarter.
• A five-goal spree from Duke in the second quarter shifted the momentum decisively in their favor.
• Varnerin’s last-minute goal in the first half kept some hope alive for BU.
• Although BU made a valiant effort in the final quarter, scoring three goals, Duke responded effectively, sealing the match with an open-net goal.

Noteworthy Stats

• O’Connell, Shannehan, and Kohr have all contributed to BU’s scoring in every game this season.
• Shannehan leads the Terriers with 48 points, followed closely by O’Connell with 45.
• Kehm’s defensive prowess continues to shine, as he leads the team in ground balls and caused turnovers.

Looking Ahead

BU is set to continue its journey in the Patriot League, facing Lafayette on April 12. As the season progresses, the team remains dedicated to building on their performances and improving against tough competition.

In recent trends, lacrosse engagement is growing, especially among younger audiences on social media. According to a recent survey by the NCAA, viewership of college lacrosse has increased by 25% over the past year, reflecting a rising interest in the sport. This surge may contribute to more energy surrounding upcoming games and the overall fan experience.

For further insights into the sport and its growth, check the NCAA’s official site here.

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