The Utah men’s lacrosse team opened up regular season play on the road at Ohio State, looking to start the year strong by taking down the No. 19 ranked Buckeyes.

The Utes controlled this game from start to finish as multiple runs and contributions from a majority of the team helped pace the offense. A hot start in both the third and fourth quarters would be the difference maker in this one as Utah secured a massive 19-13 ranked road win in the first game of the regular season.

First Quarter

The Utes opened up this game with an absolute flurry to start the first quarter. Cade Faulkner got the Utah scoring started with a beautiful wrap-around goal early in the game to give the Utes their first goal of the young season and Faulkner’s first of many career goals. Utah wouldn’t stop there, however, as veteran Ryan Stines and Cody Hart each chipped in a goal while Luke McNamara scored three in the first quarter alone as the freshman secured the hat trick early in this matchup. Ohio State was able to respond, but the Utah offense was too much for the Buckeyes to handle as the Utes took a 6-2 advantage into the second quarter.

Second Quarter

McNamara stayed hot to start quarter number two as an incredible bounce pass from Hart found McNamara open on the left side of the crease as he secured his fourth goal of the game. The Buckeyes would not stay quiet for long as a quick four-goal burst helped them tighten this one up with Utah holding the slight 7-6 advantage.

The remainder of the second quarter saw Utah score two more goals on shots from Zachary White and Jake Likes as they both secured their first goals of the 2025 season. The Utes, despite an early five-goal lead, would take a 9-7 lead into halftime.

Third Quarter

The start of the third quarter was crucial for the Utes, as goals from Will Overly and Stines within just six seconds of each other gave the Utes an 11-7 lead with 13:46 left to go in the quarter. Despite the early run, Ohio State had yet again another answer as two quick goals tightened up the score with the Utes holding just a two-goal lead.

Utah kept the foot on the gas as a Jonas Hunter goal and a couple of beautiful saves by veteran goalkeeper Collin Lenskold helped the Utes maintain their lead. Both teams would exchange goals to end the quarter as Stines notched his second goal of the game. The Utes held a 13-10 lead to close out the third with plenty of work left to do in the final quarter to close this one out.

Fourth Quarter

The beginning of the fourth quarter was reminiscent of the third, as back-to-back Utah goals within just 45 seconds of play in the fourth quarter helped Utah extend their lead, 15-10.

With limited time left for Ohio State to make a comeback, Utah continued to pad their lead as Hart’s fourth goal of the day and McNamara’s fifth helped open up the floodgates as Utah secured a 17-12 lead midway through the final quarter.

The Buckeyes continued to try and mount a comeback, but Lenskold would not allow it, continuing to deny Ohio State shooters late in the fourth.

With just three minutes to go in this game, the icing on the cake from Hart would all but close this game out as Utah took a commanding 18-12 advantage. Chase Robertson would put the final touches on this one with his first goal of the season; Utah would close this one out emphatically, taking down the No. 19 ranked Buckeyes, 19-13.

Analysis

Lenskold was a man on a mission as the junior goalkeeper put up an impressive 48% save rate, allowing 13 goals and saving 12 Buckeye shot attempts.

McNamara’s debut was one to remember for Ute fans as the freshman attack scored five goals en route to the lopsided victory. Stines and Hart both showed their senior leadership in a big way this afternoon as Stines scored two goals and dished out three assists while Hart chipped in four goals and one assist.

An astounding 10 different Utes scored goals in the 19-13 win, showing off the depth and experience of this team from top to bottom.

What’s Next for the Utes?

Utah will have its home opener next week on Saturday as Delaware comes to town to take on the Utes in Rice-Eccles Stadium at noon MST. With the Utes starting the season strong on the road, it is looking to be a fun season for a program that has seen exponential growth over the last three seasons.

k.garrison@dailyutahchronicle.com

@KyleGarrison2