Men’s Lacrosse: BU falls 12-7 to Duke in Rainy Homecoming Game

By: Hannah Connors

Boston University Men’s Lacrosse (8-2, 4-1 PL) fell to the Duke University Blue Devils (8-3, 0-1 ACC) 12-7 on Saturday during their homecoming game. 

“For us to just see the type of, you know, lacrosse that needs to be played, to play at a championship level, it’s great,” coach Ryan Polley said. “It’s great for us to compete against that and to just kind of understand what it takes to take our program to the next level.”

The Blue Devils opened strong. During a clear attempt by Duke, BU’s ten-man ride left goaltender Will Barnes out of position. Duke seized the opportunity, as defenseman Charlie Johnson connected with midfielder Max Sloat, who scored effortlessly into the empty net.

Duke captured another chance midway through the quarter.

 During a Blue Devil clear, the Terriers incurred an untimely penalty just as BU seemed poised to gain possession. With the man advantage, attackman Eric Malever sent a pass from the goal line to midfielder Benn Johnston, who was stationed up top, increasing the score to 2-0.

“We have to stress the importance of being a little cleaner,” Polley said of the Terrier’s significant amount of penalty minutes.

With little time remaining, the Terriers managed to strike back. 

A penalty call gave them a crucial man-up opportunity with under two minutes left in the quarter. As they set up their man-up play and passed around the net, attackman Jimmy O’Connell found freshman midfielder Andrew Pape with a clear lane, allowing BU to get on the board.

The successful man-up opportunity gave the Terriers momentum. With one second left, freshman attacker Timothy Shannehan equalized with one second left in the quarter. 

The second quarter began in a stalemate, with both teams generating substantial offensive opportunities. 

Duke, however, was the first to break through. Malever feigned a high pass, causing BU’s defense to spread out. Midfielder Jack Pappendick took advantage of the open space, cutting to the crease and scoring the Blue Devils’ third goal of the game.

Following this goal, Duke increased its offensive tempo, gradually crumbling BU’s defense. The Blue Devils capitalized, scoring five consecutive goals, highlighted by an impressive behind-the-back goal from Malever.

The Terriers managed to contain Duke’s offense towards the end of the half. With 13 seconds remaining, O’Connell connected with defensive midfielder Donald Varnerin for his first goal of the season, concluding the half with a score of 7-3.

The second half opened in the Blue Devils’ favor. A penalty called at the end of the first half set Duke starting on the man-up. BU, however, was able to successfully kill it off. 

“I thought man down did a good job, considering how many times we did foul and give them opportunities,” Polley said.

BU used this momentum to score the first goal of the half. O’Connell gained a ground ball off a shot rebound and scored from the crease.

As a freezing downpour began to pick up, sloppy play ensued on the Terrier end. Three penalties on BU gave Duke the chance to rack in three goals, extending their lead to 10-4. 

The final quarter began with fast-paced efforts from both teams. Excellent play by both netminders kept the first five minutes scoreless. However, BU eventually managed to break through.

Unsurprisingly, Jimmy Kohr was able to generate for BU. Kohr has contributed goals in every game this season and currently leads the team with 31 goals.

Unfortunately, the Blue Devils responded with ease, racking the score up 11-5.

The Terriers had two strong last efforts against Duke, with goals from Shannehan and an impressive diving goal from O’Connell, but their fate was sealed at the end. 

Barnes came out of goal to act as an extra defender for the Terriers. He was called for a penalty with just under a minute remaining. This forced the Terriers to put in their freshman goaltender, Connor Phillips. 

Phillips followed in Barnes’s footsteps, acting as an extra defender, but Duke was able to capitalize with less than 30 seconds left, capping the score at 12-7. 

“I give credit to them,” Polley said of Duke. “They, you know, came up here and played a good game and kind of thrived in transition… [Duke] did enough to beat us today for sure.”

The Terriers aim to bounce back against Lafayette on Saturday, April 12th, in Easton, PA. This match will kick off a series of three crucial Patriot League games that BU must win to maintain its top position in the league. Streaming will be available on ESPN+.