BGSU Lacrosse Season Recap: Historic Year
The 2024/2025 season for Bowling Green State University Lacrosse was nothing short of spectacular, marking a historic moment in the program's history. The Falcons achieved their highest-ever ranking, soaring to #13 in the national rankings. This remarkable achievement was the culmination of hard work, grit, and teamwork, and it set the stage for a thrilling playoff run. BGSU made it all the way to the NCLL (National College Lacrosse League) Midwest Region Championship, proving they were not just contenders but one of the top programs in the region.
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Record-Breaking Ranking and Playoff Success
For the first time in program history, BGSU cracked the top 15 in national rankings, securing the #13 spot for the second half of the season. This marked a significant milestone for the Falcons, as they were consistently competing with the best teams in the league. The team's strong performance throughout the season, highlighted by their ability to play both offensively and defensively was a testament to their skill and preparation.
One of the highlights of the season was their impressive run in the NCLL Midwest Region Championship, where BGSU played in the finals. Although they fell just short of the title, the Falcons' journey to this point was a huge success for the program. Their resilience and determination throughout the season were evident, and their performance in the championship only solidified their place among the best.
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Weekend Sweep of Louisville and Xavier
Perhaps one of the most thrilling stretches of the season came when BGSU went on the road and swept Louisville and Xavier in a key weekend series. The Falcons showed up in full force, delivering gritty performances against both teams in back-and-forth battles. Against Louisville, BGSU controlled the game from the start, showcasing their offensive depth and solid defense holding on at the end to win 8-7. The overtime win against Xavier was equally impressive, with BGSU managing the pressure to come away with a strong victory. The sweep not only boosted the Falcons' rankings but also sent a message to the rest of the league that BGSU was a team to be reckoned with.
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A Close Contest with Division I UC
BGSU faced off against a tough NCLL Division I opponent in the University of Cincinnati (UC), and it was a game that lived up to its billing. Although BGSU fell short in the final score, the game was incredibly close and competitive, with the Falcons showing that they could hang with a higher-tier program. The close scoreline was a testament to BGSU's growth as a program and their ability to compete against some of the best teams in the nation. UC may have come out on top, but the Falcons proved that they belong on the field with them, earning respect from fans and opponents alike.
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Split with Siena Heights
Another notable moment from the season came in BGSU's series against Siena Heights, a Varsity NAIA program. The Falcons split the two-game series, showing their ability to compete against teams from different levels of collegiate play.Â
In the first fall ball matchup BGSU came out with a strong performance early and rode the lead out to victory. The second game was a hard-fought early wintery spring contest, with both teams trading momentum throughout, but Siena Heights ultimately came out on top. This split highlighted the Falcons' ability to compete against teams at a higher level of lacrosse and showed that a solid club program can even compete with scholarship athletic teams.
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Looking Ahead
With the 2025 NCLL season now in the books, BGSU Lacrosse can look back on the year with immense pride. The program set new records, broke through barriers, and showcased their ability to compete with the best. While the loss in the Midwest Region Championship stings, it provides the perfect motivation for next season. The core of the offense and defense all return after losing just two seniors. The Falcons are poised to continue their rise in the ranks and possibly even go further in the coming years with another strong recruiting class coming in.
President Matt Jones had this to say about their successful year, "I'm so proud of the way this team rallied behind a strong 2024 season. It's easy for programs to grow complacent after they get a taste of success, but even after a breakout season our boys came back into the fall hungry for more. We're looking forward to welcoming an excellent recruiting class and starting the 2025-2026 season on the right foot this August."
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