• HPU set a new school record with 23 caused turnovers
• The Panthers limited a Michigan offense averaging 10.6 goals/game to just six
• Senior Emily Meier led the HPU offense with four points (2g, 2a)
HIGH POINT, N.C. – Behind one of the strongest defensive performances in recent memory, the High Point University women’s lacrosse team (4-3) put together a complete effort during an 11-6 triumph over visiting Michigan (4-4) Sunday afternoon inside Vert Stadium.
The Panthers caused a program record 23 turnovers and held a Michigan offense that entered the game averaging 10.6 goals/contest to just six.
HPU won the 50/50 ball contest when turnovers happened, holding a strong +9 edge (31-22) in ground balls. In addition, freshman goalkeeper Molly Andrews stepped up for the Purple & White, making six critical stops in the second half and seven overall.
“We really challenged our leaders coming off a loss Friday to see how we could best come together as a team,” head coach Lyndsey Boswell said. “We came out with a purpose and really stepped up as a group today. Molly Andrews made a number of big stops for us and our defense overall did a nice job of playing fast and going hard for a full 60 minutes. We’re at a point in the season where girls are stepping up when they need to. Whether it’s on the field or on the sideline, everyone is contributing and that’s great to see.”
HPU’s defensive prowess was bolstered by a collective team effort on that side of the field. Seven Panthers caused at least two turnovers, led by freshman Hayley Norris (5) and junior Christina Del Sesto (4), who each posted career highs in the category.
Offensively, HPU also spread the wealth, with nine Panthers recording a point. Senior Emily Meier led the way with four points (2g, 2a), while sophomore Erica Perrotta matched her career high with three goals on the day.
Freshman Samantha Herman continued her excellent play of late, notching three points (2g, 1a) while adding a pair of draw controls and three ground balls. Senior Kristina Renner registered a team-high three draw controls while registering three ground balls and two caused turnovers as well.
Freshman Emory Gaeng contributed on both ends of the field, posting a goal and an assist while chipping in a personal best three caused turnovers.
Michigan tallied the first two goals of the contest, before the Panthers roared back with a 6-0 run over the next 16 minutes to build a 6-2 edge with 9:57 to play in the half. The surge included two straight Meier to Herman scores and a pair of great dodges to the cage from Perrotta.
Michigan answered with a 2-0 spurt to cut the lead to 6-4, but senior Allie Foard tallied a goal with 1:20 left in the period to give HPU a 7-4 halftime lead.
Michigan scored less than a minute into the second half (7-5), but after 10 minutes of scoreless action, HPU went back up three (8-5) on a goal from Meier at the 19:53 mark. The Wolverines scored four minutes later to move back within two (8-6), but HPU held Michigan scoreless over the final 15:35 and ended the game on a 3-0 run to clinch the victory.
The Panthers are now 4-0 when they hold their opponent under 10 goals this season. In HPU’s last three victories, the Purple & White have held their foe scoreless over the final 15+ minutes of action.
HPU’s 23 caused turnovers broke the previous school record of 18 set on Feb. 29, 2012 vs. UC Davis. In addition, he Panthers’ 31 ground balls were the most picked up by an HPU squad since a April 7, 2012, game vs. Presbyterian.
HPU now takes a nine-day break from competition before returning to action on March 22 vs. intra-Triad rival Elon (5-2). First draw between the Panthers and Phoenix is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Vert Stadium.