The weekend got off to a bang.
In one of the first games of the day Friday, Ohio State snapped a six-game losing streak by besting No. 10 Penn State 15-12 — the latest in a long line of Big Ten upsets that showcase the competitiveness and craziness that comes with a conference-only schedule.
Ohio State (2-7) looked far from perfect in the second half. The Buckeyes were outshot 20-8 and were just 1-for-5 on free position opportunities, but an 11-goal first half was plenty of room to weather the storm.
Ali Beekhuizen, Nicole Ferrara and Maura McGregor each recorded a hat trick, and Jillian Rizzo made nine saves.
Penn State (3-4) closed the game late and came within one at 13-12 on Olivia Dirks’ goal, but Chloe Johnson and Liza Hernandez answered to seal the victory.
You won’t have to wait long for the rematch, as the Big Ten is the gift that keeps on giving with its many doubleheaders this spring — a scheduling decision made to limit travel. Ohio State and Penn State square off again at The Show on Sunday at noon.
VIRGINIA COMES FROM BEHIND, TOPS JMU
In-state rivals Virginia and James Madison have played close games in each of their last seven meetings, with each game being decided by five goals or fewer. The trend continued Friday evening.
James Madison led by just one goal at halftime, leaving the Dukes optimistic of potentially jumping back into the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Top 20. But Virginia entered the locker room with a bit of momentum and carried it through the break, eventually coming back to defeat the Dukes 15-12.
Lillie Kloak scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half, and Kiki Shaw iced the game, making it 15-10 with 4:38 to play.
Kacey Knoblach assisted Isabella Peterson to make the score 7-4 in favor of James Madison (4-3), but Virginia (8-2) seized momentum before the end of the first half. Taylor Regan scored to make it 7-5, kickstarting a 7-0 run that spanned the end of the first half and the beginning of the second.
BOSTON COLLEGE EDGES LOUISVILLE IN OVERTIME
Charlotte North's only only goal of the game was a big one. Boston College's star attacker was held scoreless in regulation, but scored the game-winner 97 seconds into overtime as the No. 6 Eagles edged No. 16 Louisville 14-13.
COULD IT BE ANYONE ELSE? @charlotteocho8 WINS IT @LouisvilleLax with a major comeback, but North finishes with two defenders to give @BCwlax the 14-13 win. pic.twitter.com/qdEMEkFdNk
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) March 27, 2021
Louisville went on a six-goal run from the end of the first half to midway in the second half and an upset looked to be in the works with the Cardinals leading 12-9. BC answered with four straight goals to regain the lead before Louisville's Allegra Catalano tied it at 13-13 with 4:22 left in regulation to force overtime.
North won the draw to start overtime and the Eagles maintained possession until she scored the game winner.
BC freshman Belle Smith scored four goals for the second straight game to pace the Eagles (6-1, 2-1 ACC) offense. Hannah Morris had four goals and an assist for Louisville (4-5, 0-4 ACC).
The two teams will meet again on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. for a nationally-televised game on the ACC Network.
NIKE/US Lacrosse Top 20
No. 6 Boston College 14, No. 16 Louisville 13 (OT)
No. 9 Virginia 15, James Madison 12
Ohio State 15, No. 10 Penn State 12
No. 13 Florida 20, Cincinnati 3
No. 15 Richmond 15, George Washington 14
No. 19 Stanford 21, Cal 4
OTHER SCORES
Arizona State 18, Oregon 6
Connecticut 22, Butler 11
Davidson 16, George Mason 8
Denver 15, Georgetown 11
Duquesne 15, Saint Bonaventure 8
Gardner-Webb 16, Presbyterian 12
Kennesaw State 25, Wofford 13
Liberty 24, Delaware State 2
Monmouth 21, Quinnipiac 8
Saint Joseph’s 18, La Salle 11
Temple 18, Old Dominion 8
USC 18, Colorado 12
Vanderbilt 19, East Carolina 11
Villanova 19, Marquette 15
Iona at Marist, PPD