Chayse Ierlan is helping lead the Cornell Big Red to a 8-1 record and a Top 10 ranking in last weeks inside lacrosse division 1 poll. Many were concerned how Cornell, and the rest of the Ivy League would perform this season, after not playing during the 2021 season, but so far, Ierlan and the Big Red are proving they are still one of the country’s best.
Chayse Ierlan Player Profile
Chayse Ierlan grew up in Victor New York and is the younger brother of TD Ierlan. During high school, Ierlan was dominant in the cage. He was a 2x All-American, and a 3x New York State Champion. He was also named New York State section MVP 3 times as well. He still holds the Victor Blue Devil record for most wins (50), lowest goals-against average (1.7), and highest save percentage (.953). He also played hockey and was a state champion in 2018. Chayse also was an exceptional student, being named a New York State Scholar Athlete every year during his high school career.
After getting playing time in his first two games as a freshman, Ierlan took over as Cornell’s starting goalie in the third game of the season. His first start was a big test for the young goalie, facing #1 Towson. He allowed 11 goals, had 10 saves, and had a season high six groundballs in the win against the Tigers. The Big Red’s season came up short though, as they lost to Yale in the Ivy League Tournament semifinals. Chayse finished the game against Yale with a season high 17 saves in the loss. Ierlan finished his freshman campaign with a 7-4 record, and a .537 save percentage, which was 20th best in the nation, which earned him Ivy League Honorable Mention. He also had four Ivy League Rookie of the Week selections, which was second most in school history.
Ireland had a hot start to the 2020 season, starting the season 5-0 with wins against two ranked opponents. One of those wins was an instant classic over #2 Penn State in the Crown Classic game just before the season was canceled. It was a back and forth affair, with Cornell scoring 2 goals in the final minute to beat the Nittany Lions. The following week the NCAA season was canceled due to Covid-19. The Big Red goalie finished the season with a .407 save percentage, on 178 shots faced. Unfortunately for Chayse and the rest of the Ivy League, they did not take part in the 2021 NCAA lacrosse season due to concerns over Covid-19.
Coming into the 2022 season, there were lots of questions around the Ivy League regarding the rust of not playing in almost two years, even with the long break, Coach Connor Buczek had confidence in his team and specifically his goalie.
“I think he’s poised for a great year. We’re really, really proud of him and the way he worked over the time he was away from the field. He certainly looked ready to go, so we’re excited to see him break out this spring.”
– Connor Buczek, Cornell Head Coach
Cornell is definitely silenced the doubters so far this season, and with the strong play from Chayse Ierlan, Cornell is picking up right where they left off in 2020 as one of the country’s top teams and a legitimate shot to be playing during Memorial Day weekend.
