Ohio State entered Sunday undefeated, with just one win over a ranked opponent. However, coach Nick Myers' squad had the chance to show the lacrosse world how good it really was, hosting No. 2 Denver at the Horsehoe.

The Buckeyes got their statement victory in a big way.

Ohio State used a huge first half to break the game open and cruise to a 16-7 victory over the No. 2 Pioneers on Sunday afternoon. Tre Leclaire led the Buckeyes with five goals and two assists, while Eric Fannell tallied three goals and four assists.

With the win, the Buckeyes join No. 1 Penn State and No. 5 Rutgers as Big Ten teams that are off to undefeated starts as the season nears conference play. 

The teams traded goals to open the game, but Ohio State scored 10 consecutive goals over the course of almost three quarters to put the game out of reach for Denver. Leclaire and Fannell had three goals each during the run, and Johnny Pearson chipped in two of his three goals, as well.

The Buckeyes defense limited the Pioneers' shots and forced turnovers throughout the first three quarters, leading to the large margin. Denver star Connor Cannizzaro was held to one goal and one assist on two shots on goal in the game.

Ohio State picked up 31 ground balls compared Denver’s 17 on the day. Pioneers faceoff specialist Trevor Baptiste won 15 of 24 faceoffs, but it wasn’t enough to top the surging Buckeyes.

Seven different players scored for Denver, which moves to 5-2 after beating Notre Dame last weekend. It will be back in action on Saturday, when it travels to Towson.

As for Ohio State, the road doesn’t get easier. It will face No. 3 Notre Dame in South Bend on Saturday.

DIVISION I SCOREBOARD

Colgate 16, Siena 11

DIVISION II SCOREBOARD

No. 18 Colorado Mesa 10, Florida Southern 9

Westminster (Ut.) 16, Maryville 5

Wingate 14, Lincoln Memorial 7

Indianapolis 8, Wheeling Jesuit 6

Young Harris 13, Coker 6

DIVISION III SCOREBOARD

No. 5 St. Lawrence 10, Babson 9

Springfield 11, Endicott 6

Union 12, Whittier 10