HPU WLAX Battles Tough, but Falls at No. 2 North Carolina, 13-9

• High Point was tied with the second-ranked team in the nation midway through the second half before falling, 13-9, at UNC
• Sophomore Abby Hormes recorded a hat trick
• HPU plays at defending national champion James Madison next Saturday

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The High Point University women’s lacrosse team battled No. 2 North Carolina tough, but ultimately fell, 13-9, Friday evening (Feb. 15) at Kenan Stadium.

The two teams were tied, 5-5, at halftime, but the Tar Heels (2-0) came out in the second half and scored three goals in a row. The Panthers (1-1) responded with three of their own to tie the game at 8-8 with 16:23 remaining, but North Carolina was able to score five of the last six goals to earn the win.

“This team showed a lot of heart and discipline tonight,” HPU head coach Lyndsey Boswell said. “I’m really sorry for the girls that a few things didn’t go our way. I felt our game plan was effective, and I’m really proud of how far we have come since last weekend. We look forward to another week of preparation and an opportunity to get better.”

UNC had a slim advantage in shots, 32-29, held an advantage in the draw circle, 14-10, and picked up 19 ground balls to High Point’s 16.

Sophomore Abby Hormes recorded a hat trick, while junior Ashley Britton tallied a pair of goals. Senior Samantha Herman scored a goal and added an assist, while the Panthers also had goals from seniors Allie Little and Valerie Pelling and sophomore Rachel Foster.

In net, sophomore Sarah Zeto made 10 saves, but took the loss.

Taylor Moreno made nine saves for the Tar Heels to earn the win. UNC was led by Jamie Ortega, who scored six goals.

Up next, the Panthers travel to defending NCAA champion and No. 4 James Madison next Saturday (Feb. 23). First draw from Harrisonburg, Va., is set for 1 p.m.