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College Crosse Game Roundup: Duke Goes Offside, Loses Game Against Air Force

Could the SoCon really steal a bid in the NCAA Tournament? Plus, Ohio State opens up their season.

By Chris Jastrzembski
Thousands Gather On Townsville Foreshore For T150 Defence Force Air Show Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

It was just two games, but one of them was one of the best games this weekend. To the Big Board we go!

Big Board Scores for February 5, 2017

Time Box Score Game Recap Next Game
Time Box Score Game Recap Next Game
Noon Ohio State 12, Furman 6 Ohio State Recap Ohio State (1-0): vs. Detroit Mercy (2/11); Furman (0-2): vs. North Carolina (2/11)
3:30 PM Air Force 11, Duke 10 Air Force Recap Air Force (1-0): at Denver (2/11); Duke (0-1): vs. High Point (2/10)

Today’s Highlights

Air Force came out very strong, as they defeated Duke at Koskinen Stadium by a goal for the second time in as many years. Nick Hruby scored four goals, while Chris Walsch had a pair for the Falcons. Air Force’s freshman goaltender Paxton Boyer had a very strong debut, making 14 saves, as well as getting bailed out by the post on multiple occasions. For Duke, Justin Guterding had a hat trick, which included his 100th career college goal, while Jack Bruckner and freshman Joey Manown had a pair of goals as well. The Blue Devils used many players in their first game of the regular season, including Sean Lowrie, Reilly Walsh, and Kyle Quigley on offense, and Cade Van Raaphorst and freshman J.T. Giles-Harris on defense.

Duke was down one with about 42 seconds left and forced a shot clock violation on the Falcons. When attempting to clear the ball, the Blue Devils went offsides with about 30 seconds to go to give Air Force the win. Another bad way to lose a close game for Duke once again.

Air Force sported some of the nicest helmets I’ve seen in awhile.

They’re modeled off the football team’s helmets.

And they’re celebrating their win (and the Super Bowl) in fashion!

I know it’s just the first weekend, but could the SoCon be a two-bid conference? It’s highly unlikely, but they have the teams there with Air Force and Richmond, and maybe even High Point if they do well. The Falcons have a huge test next weekend against their Colorado neighbors, Denver.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes got their 2017 off to a nice start, doubling up Furman in the process. Midfielder Johnny Pearson scored four goals in the winning effort, while freshman Tre Leclaire notched a pair of goals of his own in his first collegiate game. Goaltender Tom Carey made 11 saves in the victory. William Holcomb scored two goals for the Paladins in the loss. Ohio State is hoping to earn a potential at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament come May.

What’s Next?

No games on Monday, but Johns Hopkins hosts Navy on Tuesday at 5 pm. That’ll be the first game on ESPNU this season.

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