DURHAM, N.C. - The Cleveland State University lacrosse team played its first road game in program history Sunday at Duke, but the Blue Devils proved too much to handle as they claimed a 22-7 victory at Koskinen Stadium.
After beginning its lacrosse existence last week by hosting Michigan, the Vikings' next contest saw them face Duke, a team ranked among the top 10 in both national polls.
Duke had won 31-of-43 faceoffs combined over its opening two games. However, the Blue Devils were unable to keep up with the Vikings at the center dot. Cleveland State won 18-of-31 faceoffs Sunday as Danny Tesler led the way by going 14-of-23.
For the second straight week, Tesler contributed a game-high in ground balls and found the scoring column. Tesler posted eight ground balls Sunday and scored twice, his first multi-goal game.
Midfielder Jack Frickleton led the way offensively for Cleveland State with three points. He scored once and tallied the first two assists of his career. Jake Lewis scored twice in the setback as well to notch his first multi-goal game.
Duke began the game with a man-up goal in the opening minute and would take a 5-1 lead after little more than 10 minutes. The Blue Devils would prove to be lethal with the man advantage all game as they scored five man-up goals on the afternoon.
Cleveland State responded with its best stretch of the game, which carried over from late in the opening quarter into the midpoint of the second stanza.
The Vikings outscored Duke, 5-4, over a 15-minute stretch spanning the quarter break, including scoring three consecutive, which forced a goalie change by Duke and then a timeout.
The Blue Devils scored three times over the final four minutes of the half to take momentum back, including a backbreaking strike with one second left.
Similar to the first half, Duke began the second half with a man-up goal inside of one minute. The Blue Devils would not suffer a let-up this time, as they continued to extend their lead throughout the remainder of the game.
Ethan Peterson scored his first collegiate goal in the setback. Midfielder Nick Wendel found the back of the net for the second straight game while Tristen Copeland contributed an assist for the second straight week.
Drake Stephens and Zach Whitenack both collected five ground balls and contributed a caused turnover. Stephens also went 3-of-4 on faceoffs.
Duke edged Cleveland State in ground balls, 38-36, while CSU forced the Blue Devils into four failed clears.
Cleveland State will return home next Saturday and Sunday as it welcomes three schools for the two-day Sixth City Showdown event.