The Cornell lacrosse program has made a remarkable season so far, heading back to Championship Weekend as clear front-runners to win the title. With a record of 16-1, the Big Red have excelled in every aspect of the game, making it challenging to root against them.
Their impressive victories over Denver, Richmond, Princeton, Syracuse, and Harvard showcase their battle-tested nature. Cornell’s offense has been particularly dominant, averaging 5.8 goals per win against quality opponents. Their only loss came early in the season against Penn State, but this setback actually brought the team closer together.
As Ivy League regular season champions, Cornell entered the NCAA tournament with confidence, which they carried into the tournament with a dominant performance against Albany. However, their true test was against Richmond in the quarterfinals, where they emerged victorious 13-12 after a closely contested game.
The Big Red’s advantages in scoring and face-offs make them strong contenders for Championship Weekend. Their scoring margin of +5.8 puts them second in the NCAA, and with CJ Kirst averaging 6.35 points per game, Cornell has the talent to overcome any challenge.
While Penn State was able to match Cornell’s pace in their first meeting, this matchup may be different. The Nittany Lions will need to improve on clearing and face-offs if they hope to beat Cornell. Ultimately, it comes down to how well each team can capitalize on scoring opportunities.
With the Big Red’s overall talent and depth, there is no reason why they shouldn’t make a run for the championship title. However, overcoming Penn State in their rematch will be crucial to securing their place at the top.
Source: https://laxallstars.com/cornell-lacrosse-championship-weekend-preview