Site: Clinton, S.C. (Old Bailey Stadium)
Score: High Point 17, Presbyterian 4
Records: High Point (8-7, 6-0), Presbyterian (4-10, 1-5)
Next HPU Event: Big South Semifinal
CLINTON, S.C. — The High Point University women’s lacrosse team completed an undefeated Big South regular season with a 17-4 victory over the Blue Hose on Saturday afternoon. Mena Loescher went off for a career-high seven points as she scored a career-high six goals and added one assist in the win. Rachel Foster continues her explosive senior season as she scored four goals on the day. Abby Hormes finished the day with five points which were the second most for HPU on Saturday. Abby Hormes scored two goals and had three assists. This marks the 12th straight game Abby Hormes has recorded at least five points in a contest. With the victory, High Point won the Big South Regular Season championship. The win gives HPU the #1 seed in the Big South tournament as HPU looks to win four consecutive Big South Tournament titles.
“Today was another great team conference win,” Coach Lyndsey Boswell said after the win against PC. “We are happy to be in the position we are in headed into the Big South Conference championship weekend with an NCAA bid on the line. As we have this whole season, it’s one day at a time right now focusing on getting better.”
The Panthers scored eleven straight goals to start the game against PC. Abby Hormes was involved in the first four goals of the game. She scored the first two goals of the contest then she assisted Foster twice to give High Point a four-goal lead in the first seven minutes of the game.
“I can’t say enough about what Abby Hormes has consistently brought to this team this season,” Coach Boswell said of the senior. “She’s solid and having fun, I’m excited for her, and for those that are also stepping up around her.”
Loescher scored her first goal of the day with 23:07 to go in the first to give HPU a 5-0 lead. Kaely Kyle quickly scored after Loescher to give HPU a 6-0 advantage. Foster added another to her first-half tally to give herself three while Loescher scored two more which gave the Panthers a 9-0 lead with 11:06 to play in the first. Senior Kylie Holthaus provided a burst of offense as she contributed to two straight goals as she scored and assisted Foster to push the HPU lead to 11. With 2:50 to go in the first PC scored its first goal of the game to make it 11-1. Loescher scored a late goal with ten seconds remaining in the first to give High Point an 11-goal lead at the break.
Loescher scored the first two goals of the second half which put High Point up 14-1. Liz Meister scored her second goal of the season off of a free position which made the score 15-1. Kyle added her second of the day with 21:07 left in the game. Julia Nicastro scored the last High Point goal of the day 12:15 remaining to give her Panthers 17 goals. HPU would go on to win 17-4.
UP NEXT: The Panthers prepare for Friday night as they will welcome #4 Winthrop to Vert Stadium for the Big South semifinals at 5:00 PM.