In a nail-biting contest at Cooper Field on Feb. 22, the Georgetown University men’s lacrosse team (2-2) made a valiant effort against the No. 1 University of Notre Dame (3-0), ultimately falling in a 11-9 loss.
Despite rallying in the second half, the No. 11 Hoyas dropped to a 2-2 overall record, while the Fighting Irish improved to 3-0. The Hoyas found themselves unable to recreate the magic of last year’s regular-season triumph over top-ranked Notre Dame, where Georgetown pulled off an upset in a thrilling overtime contest.
Notre Dame set the tone early in the game, unleashing a barrage of 6 consecutive goals within the first 10 minutes. The early deficit forced the Hoyas on the back foot, but they slowly began to claw their way back into contention.
A pair of quick goals in the closing moments of the first quarter, capped by a last-second top-corner strike from junior midfielder Jordan Wray, trimmed the deficit to 6-2.
Georgetown’s resurgence continued into the second quarter. The Hoyas took command of the pace early, igniting a four-goal run that tied the game at 6-6 with just over five minutes remaining in the half.
However, Notre Dame answered with back-to-back goals in the second quarter’s final moments, taking an 8-6 lead as the teams returned to their locker rooms.
After halftime, both teams shifted gears defensively, resulting in a scoreless third quarter as neither side could find an opening.
The fourth quarter saw Notre Dame pull ahead again with 2 early goals, extending their lead to 10-6. But the Hoyas refused to fade quietly, launching a spirited comeback with 3 straight goals in a six-minute burst to narrow the deficit to a single goal at 10-9 with four minutes remaining.
Despite the surge, the Fighting Irish secured the win with an insurance goal in the final two minutes.
Georgetown’s attacking efforts and resilience shone through despite the loss. Graduate attackers Aidan Carroll and Fulton Bayman each recorded 2 goals and an assist, showcasing their dual threat on offense. For Bayman, the matchup provided a long-awaited reunion, given that he previously played three seasons at Notre Dame, winning the NCAA national championship in 2023 and 2024.
Junior attacker Joe Cesare contributed 2 crucial goals, while Wray added a goal and an assist, including his dramatic shot at the end of the first period.
First-year attacker Jack Ransom also made an impact by scoring the team’s first man-up goal of the season, assisted by sophomore attacker Shuey Kelly.
On the defensive end, sophomore defender Ty Banks led the charge with 4 caused turnovers, while junior defender George Acton and first-year defender Robert Plath logged 2 each.
Senior midfielder Michael Haus anchored the midfield by scooping up a team-high 5 ground balls, closely followed by sophomore goalie Anderson Moore and senior defensive midfielder Joe Vranizan with 4 apiece. In goal, Moore recorded 5 saves.
While the loss stung, the Hoyas remain focused on the future.
Determined to learn from the hard-fought battle and build momentum as the season progresses, Georgetown will travel to Providence, R.I., to face Brown University (1-2) in nonconference action Saturday, March 1.