The Ivy League lacrosse race has been thrown into chaos. No. 6 Cornell delivered a massive 16-13 upset over No. 2 Princeton, sending a clear message that the conference is far from decided. With Harvard, Yale, and Penn also lurking, the battle for the Ivy League crown is wide open.
Cornell’s victory wasn’t just a statement—it was a showcase of dominance in key areas. The Big Red controlled the tempo early, jumping out to a lead behind a relentless offensive attack. Star attackman CJ Kirst led the charge with five goals, continuing his run as one of the most dangerous scorers in the country. His ability to create and finish in tight spaces kept Princeton’s defense scrambling all afternoon.
At the faceoff X, Cornell had a clear advantage, winning crucial possessions that limited Princeton’s opportunities. The ability to control the ball and dictate the pace of play was a difference-maker, especially against a Princeton offense that has thrived in transition all season.
Despite the loss, Princeton had its moments. The Tigers fought back in the second half, cutting into the deficit multiple times. Coulter Mackesy led the effort with four goals, and Princeton’s offense found success when they pushed the pace. However, every time the Tigers seemed to gain momentum, Cornell responded with a timely goal or a critical defensive stop.
One of the most impressive aspects of Cornell’s performance was its defensive resilience. Princeton entered the matchup averaging over 15 goals per game, but the Big Red defense held firm, forcing turnovers and pressuring shooters into difficult looks. Goalie Chase Ierlan came up big with several key saves late in the game, preventing Princeton from completing the comeback.
The significance of this win for Cornell cannot be overstated. The Ivy League is widely considered one of the most competitive conferences in college lacrosse, and with this result, the race for the top spot just got even tighter. Princeton, previously seen as the team to beat, now faces increased pressure with games against other Ivy League contenders still on the horizon.
Cornell, on the other hand, has momentum on its side. The Big Red’s combination of elite scoring, faceoff dominance, and defensive toughness makes them a legitimate threat to run the table in conference play. However, with Harvard, Yale, and Penn all capable of making a push, nothing is guaranteed.
This result proves that the Ivy League is as unpredictable as ever. While Princeton and Cornell remain at the top for now, Harvard, Yale, and Penn are all waiting for their chance to make a move. If this game was any indication, the rest of the Ivy League season will be must-watch lacrosse.
With so much parity and high-level talent across the conference, the race for the Ivy League title is far from over. Expect more chaos, more upsets, and more intense battles as teams fight for positioning in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting conference races in years.
