Buckeyes ready for 'Showdown at the Shoe'

Even though the season is coming to an end, the men’s lacrosse team is “not winding down,” senior defender Chris Lowery said.
 

“We’re looking at it as a lot of opportunities ahead of us,” Lowery said. “We’re still working towards our goal of making the NCAA tournament.”
 

At 8-8, the Buckeyes are hoping to close the rest of the season out with wins, especially over Air Force in the “Showdown in the Shoe.”
 

“It’s a once in a lifetime thing,” goalie Brandon Freeman said. “Its been fun playing there in front of that many people.”
 

The “Showdown in the Shoe” is “certainly an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life,” Lowery said. “It’s one of the main reasons you to come to Ohio State to play.”
 

Coming together as a team and focusing on one game at a time is the primary goal for the men, as they are still fighting for the many opportunities on their route to the playoffs.
 

“It’s turning out good, but only time will tell, and hopefully we can end on a good note,” Freeman said.
 

Falling short to both top-ranked Bucknell and Loyola has hindered the Buckeyes to playing a game of fate for one of the last seeds in the tournament. But finishing the season strong with victories in each game could be enough, especially with a big win over top ten-ranked North Carolina.
 

“We would have liked certain things to go a little bit differently, but we’re still fighting and we’re right there,” said Lowery.
 

With many individuals stepping up this year, the young cast still holds a bright future for the Buckeyes, even if it is not this season.
 

Sophomores Logan Schuss and Joe Bonanni and freshman Jeff Tundo have led the way for the new cast to leave its mark now and anchor the team next season.
 

“Logan Schuss has stepped in and made a big impact on the field,” Lowery said.
 

Schuss is a three-time ECAC Lacrosse League Rookie of the Week honoree this season, receiving two Rookie of the Week honors and an offensive player nod.
 

Tundo has received the honors three times this season.
 

Bonanni has been called the MVP of his team by multiple teammates.
 

“He’s [come] in this year and stepped up for his spot as a key defenseman this year,” Freeman said.