• The HPU women’s lacrosse team fell to No. 7 North Carolina, 14-10
• Senior Darla Poulin led the Panthers with five goals
• Senior Brooke Stevens tallied four assists, including three of Poulin’s goals
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University women’s lacrosse team battled No. 7 North Carolina tough, but fell, 14-10, Friday (Feb. 16) at Vert Stadium.
After falling behind 10-5 in the first half, the Panthers (1-1) outscored the Tar Heels, 5-4, in the second frame. North Carolina led in shots, 28-12, and in draw controls 18-7, but the game was fairly even in ground balls (UNC 17, HPU 15) and turnovers, where UNC had 20 to High Point’s 19.
“I felt we played really well as a unit, doing a good job possessing the ball, but I felt there were lapses in our focus at time and that made a difference in the draw circle,” HPU head coach Lyndsey Boswell said. “I’m proud of the girls for fighting for 60 minutes and this is a step in the right direction. We are excited to get back to work and then to welcome JMU next Saturday.”
Senior Darla Poulin tallied five goals on five shots to lead the Panthers, while fellow senior Brooke Stevens assisted on four goals, including three of Poulin’s. Freshman Abby Hormes recorded her first career hat trick.
Senior Erica Perrotta led the Panthers with four draw controls, while junior Samantha Herman added five caused turnovers and four ground balls. Both Herman and Perrotta earned their 100th career draw controls in the game.
In goal, sophomore Jill Rall (1-1) had three saves in the first half, while freshman Sarah Zeto played the second half, making four saves. Rall’s first save of the day was the 100th of her career.
Jamie Ortega and Marie McCool each had a hat trick to lead North Carolina. Elise Hennessey (1-0) picked up the win in net with four saves, while Taylor Moreno had three in the second half.
Next up, the Panthers host No. 8 James Madison next Saturday (Feb. 24). First draw at Vert Stadium is set for 1 p.m.