Cornell University’s men’s lacrosse team defeated Duke University 9-7 at Shark Stadium on April 11, holding the nation’s top-ranked offense to a season-low seven goals. Junior Matthew Tully made 12 saves as Cornell improved its record to 7-3.
The win is significant because Duke entered the game averaging over sixteen goals per contest, leading the country in scoring. Cornell’s defensive effort kept Duke scoreless in the fourth quarter and limited them to just two goals in the second half.
The turning point came early in the third quarter when Cornell scored three consecutive goals within ninety seconds, overturning a halftime deficit into a lead they would not relinquish. Ryan Goldstein tied the game before Jack Cascadden gave Cornell its first lead of the half, followed by Brian Luzzi’s goal. Later, Luke Robinson and Brendan Staub added quick scores that pushed Cornell ahead by three.
Tully’s performance was key throughout, making crucial stops and contributing two caused turnovers. The defense forced fifteen turnovers overall and allowed only one shot on goal during the final quarter as they held off a late comeback attempt from Duke.
Seven different players scored for Cornell. Goldstein finished with three points and moved up school career leaderboards for both points and assists. Cascadden achieved his five-hundredth career faceoff win, becoming only the third player in program history to reach that milestone.
This was just the tenth meeting between these programs; with this result, Cornell now leads their all-time series against Duke six games to four. The Big Red also completed all twenty-eight of their clear attempts successfully—a season best for them.
Cornell will next play High Point at Schoellkopf Field on Monday, April 13. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
