HPU MLAX aims to continue winning streak at Furman

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University men’s lacrosse team is riding a three-game winning streak as it heads to Furman for a Southern Conference tilt on Saturday at noon.

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The Panthers (7-5, 3-2) have outscored their opponents 42-27 during its recent three-game homestand and will look to continue its momentum on the road. On the other hand, the Paladins (2-9, 2-3) are in a battle to stay in contention for a spot in the SoCon Tournament.

Last Time Out
• The Panthers used a 6-0 run midway through the second half to create separation in a 14-10 win over Jacksonville on Saturday.

• Dan Lomas paced the offense early scoring five of the team’s first eight goals. Matt Thistle took over from there tallying four of the team’s final six goals.

• All three of the Purple & White attackmen racked up six points in the game. Lomas scored five goals to go with an assist while LeClair dished out five assists and scored a goal. Thistle rounded out the trio’s huge day with four goals and two assists.

• Freshman Tim Troutner Jr. anchored the defensive effort with 15 saves on the day.

• Senior Zack Price provided a career-best six ground balls to go with three caused turnovers in the victory.

• The HPU defense held the Dolphins scoreless for a 19-minute stretch that allowed the offense to post a 6-0 run.

• Jamie Piluso came off the bench to win 10-16 in the face-off circle while pickup up seven ground balls.

Lomas a Finalist for Senior CLASS Award
Dan Lomas was selected as one of 10 finalists for the Senior CLASS Award, the first finalist in program history (vote).

Thistle Closing in on 200
With his next point Matt Thistle will eclipse 200 career points. The senior scored 11 points prior to a season-ending injury in his first season at Manhattan. Since then he has compiled 188 points in the Purple & White.

Finishing Strong
The Panthers have outscored opponents 15-8 in the fourth quarter during it’s three-game winning streak.

LeClair’s Streak
• As a freshman, LeClair posted a point in three of his first seven games, however he has scored in every one since then (38 straight).

• The streak is the longest in HPU history passing Lomas’ streak (32) and is the seventh-longest active streak nationally.

A Look at the Paladins
• A season ago the Paladins won back-to-back games to end the regular season and earn a spot in the SoCon Tournament. They will need a similar run this season as they enter the stretch run in a three-way tie for fourth place in the league.

• The squad opened the season 0-7, but are 2-2 in their last four including an overtime loss to Richmond and a two-goal loss at Mercer.

• Last year’s SoCon Freshman of the Year, Reilly McDermott, struggled early in the year, but has made 38 saves compared to allowing 30 goals in the last four contests.

• Freshman David Williamson paces the offensive attack. The midfielder leads the team in goals (15) and assists (nine).

• Juniors Conner Kipke and Joe Stone anchor the defense with 24 caused turnovers and 33 ground balls between the two of them.

• Junior Hil Blaze is the team’s primary face-off man and is 92-188 (.489) on the year.

All-Time Series with Furman
The Panthers have earned victories in both of their previous meetings with the Paladins.

Last Time They Met
The Purple & White dominated Furman in all facets to earn a 10-3 win on March 28, 2015. Offensively, Dan Lomas (3g) and Michael LeClair (2g, 2a) led the way while Zach Tuell made 16 saves compared to just two goals allowed. Likewise, Jamie Piluso owned the face-off ‘X’ going 11-14 as Zach Price caused four Paladin turnovers.

Next Up
High Point wraps up the regular season on Saturday, April 30 at noon for its senior day against VMI.