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Things didn’t look good early for Loyola Blakefield in Thursday’s top-15 showdown in Towson (Md.).

The Dons spotted visiting Western Reserve (Ohio) a 4-0 lead. That’s never ideal, but especially not against a team with the Pioneers’ firepower and overall talent.

Slowly but surely, though, Loyola steadied the ship. Backed by a hat trick and an assist from Crabs 2026 Delaware commit Bennett Cook, they chipped away and got back into the game. Late in the fourth quarter, it was Crabs 2025 Hamilton commit Cooper Pasko who got to be the hero. Pasko tied the game at 9, then buried what ended up as the game-winner to help the Dons to an 11-10 win.

The Dons got it done despite a superb six-goal day from West Coast Starz 2025 Ohio State signee Jack Bichelmeyer. Check out the full game highlights at the video player above.

Loyola Blakefield (4-2) is back in action Sunday against Philly’s Penn Charter. WRA is off until April 1, when it takes on St. Edward (Ohio).

Loyola Blakefield vs. Western Reserve Standouts

Bennett Cook ’26, attack, Loyola Blakefield (Md.) / Crabs – Delaware

The Dons found themselves down a handful of goals multiple times. Cook answered each time.

The Delaware commit displayed his craftiness with a cut to the middle on a sweep and a high lefty bounce finish early in the second quarter. Cook also showed great patience and an unselfish mindset when he fed a pretty man-up assist to fellow Delaware commit Matt Joerres on the back door.

Cook’s exceptional off-ball movement and quick release were also put on full display with back-to-back goals at the tail end of the third quarter. The latter beat the buzzer and cut the deficit down to 9-8 at the end of three. Cook finished the day with three goals and a helper.

Along with quarterbacking the Dons offense, Cook also found ways to contribute defensively by riding hard and forcing turnovers in transition.

Jack Bichelmeyer ’25, attack, Western Reserve (Ohio) / West Coast Starz – Ohio State

It was a bit of a pick your poison situation for Loyola Blakefield when it came to Bichelmeyer. An elite finisher, Bichelmeyer scored six of Western Reserve’s 10 goals and was a daunting presence on the crease all afternoon.

The 6-4, 190-pound Ohio State commit utilized his size and overpowered defenders. When Loyola slid early, Bichelmeyer still found a way – as seen on his pretty rollback goal late in the third quarter. Along with finishing inside, Bichelmeyer also found ways to get open and be a threat as an outsider shooter. If any space is surrendered to Bichelmeyer, he will make you pay.

Nevan McKneely ’26, LSM, Loyola Blakefield / Team 91 Maryland

One of the top uncommitted players in the class of 2026, McNeely was phenomenal for the Dons. He picked up multiple hard ground balls off the faceoff wings, played great defense and protected the front of the cage.

McNeely’s strong stick and full arsenal checks caused havoc as he stripped multiple guys and quickly shot up field in transition. He’s a do-it-all LSM and his recruitment won’t be open for much longer if he keeps playing like this.

Cooper Pasko ’25, attack, Loyola Blakefield / Crabs – Hamilton

The saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ and that was the way Cooper Pasko took over late and led Loyola to the win.

The Hamilton commit scored on a lefty sweep midway through the second where he cut to the middle and won top-side. After Pasko fought and scrapped through the middle later in the game, the Crabs product drove to the cage and tied the game at 10 with a little more than four minutes to go. Off the ensuing faceoff win by Alex Heil, the ball again found its way to Pasko. Again, Pasko fought through the middle and scored, which gave the Dons the lead for good.

When something works, you keep hammering it until the opponent proves they can stop it. Western Reserve couldn’t stop Pasko from winning in the middle and ultimately it was the difference in the game.