Ohio State Lacrosse Dominates Cleveland State in 14-4 Victory

The Ohio State men’s lacrosse team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, securing a decisive 14-4 victory over Cleveland State at the Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium. With an exceptional defensive effort and a high-powered offensive attack, the Buckeyes (2-1) controlled the game from start to finish, marking their second consecutive game allowing just four goals.

A Defensive Clinic by Ohio State

Ohio State’s defense set the tone early, holding Cleveland State (0-1) scoreless through the first quarter and conceding just one goal in the first half. The Buckeyes’ ability to stifle the Vikings' offense was evident in the turnover battle, where Ohio State forced 15 turnovers while committing just 23 of their own. Key defensive players like Zack Antoniou, Cullen Brown, and Bobby Van Buren each registered two caused turnovers, further solidifying Ohio State’s dominance on the back end.

Goaltender Caleb Fyock played a pivotal role, making five saves on six shots in his 44 minutes of action. His replacement, Henry Blake, entered the game in the fourth quarter and recorded three saves. The Buckeyes’ aggressive defensive pressure, combined with their disciplined clearing game (19-for-23), made it nearly impossible for Cleveland State to establish an offensive rhythm.

Buckeye Offense Fires on All Cylinders

On the offensive side, Ohio State showcased its depth and efficiency, led by standout performances from Alex Marinier and Ed Shean. Marinier posted a game-high four goals, including a rapid-fire hat trick in the third quarter that extended Ohio State’s lead from 7-2 to 10-2 in just over two minutes. Shean followed closely behind with a hat trick of his own, while Ryan Donnery contributed two goals and two assists, totaling four points.

The Buckeyes took control early, with Ben Mayer scoring the game’s first goal at 7:42 in the first quarter. Ohio State quickly built momentum, with Donnery capitalizing on a fast-break opportunity to double the lead before the quarter ended.

A dominant second quarter saw the Buckeyes add five more goals, highlighted by late scores from Marinier, Shane O’Leary, and Jack Oldman. The latter’s goal, assisted by Donnery, came in the final second of the half and sent Ohio State into halftime with a commanding 7-1 lead.

Faceoff Excellence Fuels Ohio State’s Possession Game

Possession was a critical factor in Ohio State’s success, and faceoff specialist Jack Oldman played a key role in controlling the game’s tempo. Oldman dominated the faceoff X, winning 12-of-15 draws while collecting a team-high nine ground balls. His ability to secure possessions gave Ohio State’s offense multiple scoring opportunities and limited Cleveland State’s chances to generate any offensive flow.

Coleman Kraske also contributed at the X, winning two of his three faceoffs, as the Buckeyes collectively outperformed Cleveland State in faceoff wins (14-7).

Second-Half Onslaught Seals the Victory

Ohio State continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, outscoring Cleveland State 6-1. Marinier’s offensive explosion, assisted by Cullen Brown, Kyle Foster, and Dillon Magee, put the game well out of reach. Shean and Donnery added to the Buckeyes’ tally, while Griffin Turner found the back of the net for his first career goal as a Buckeye.

Cleveland State managed to add two goals in the fourth quarter, including a man-up opportunity converted by Jacob Lubrant, but Ohio State’s lead was never in doubt. Shean capped off the scoring for the Buckeyes with his fourth goal at 5:41, sealing the 14-4 victory.

Statistical Breakdown: Buckeyes Dominate Across the Board

• Shots: Ohio State outshot Cleveland State 47-30.
• Shots on Goal: The Buckeyes put 27 shots on target compared to the Vikings’ 12.
• Ground Balls: Ohio State controlled the ground game, picking up 41 ground balls to Cleveland State’s 32.
• Faceoffs: The Buckeyes won 14-of-21 faceoffs, further controlling possession.
• Turnovers: Ohio State forced 15 turnovers and committed 23 of their own.

Looking Ahead

The Buckeyes will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Bellarmine on Tuesday, February 11. With a strong defensive foundation and a balanced offensive attack, Ohio State is quickly proving itself to be a formidable force in the early stages of the 2025 lacrosse season.

For Cleveland State, the game provided a learning opportunity as they look to bounce back from their season-opening loss. Despite the defeat, the Vikings showed flashes of potential, particularly through Brennen Hickey’s two-goal performance.

Final Thoughts

Ohio State’s ability to execute on both ends of the field was the key to their dominant performance. The Buckeyes’ defense stifled Cleveland State’s attack, while their offensive efficiency—especially in transition—allowed them to capitalize on nearly every opportunity. If they continue to play at this level, Ohio State could be in for an impressive season ahead.