High Point, N.C. - The High Point Panthers men's lacrosse team returned to Vert Stadium against the fifth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, a team the Panthers stunned a season ago. The Panthers fell 14-2 in a tough matchup against one of the best teams in the country.
The Panthers were led by Owen Bunten and Collin Rovere, who both each had a goal. Despite what the score may say, goalkeeper Zack Overend saved over 50 percent with 16 saves.
Site: Vert Stadium
Score: High Point 2, No. 5Â North Carolina 14
Records: High Point (3-6), No. 5Â North Carolina (7-1)
The Panthers opened up the game by playing predominantly on defense, going down 2-0 before Bunten found the back of the net at the 8:52 mark. High Point went into the second quarter down 5-1, but it was not without a strong showing in the first 15 minutes from goalie Overend. The junior held strong with four saves early.
The beginning of the second quarter was the exact opposite. The Panthers' defense held firm, only conceding one goal. The Panthers possessed the ball longer on offense but could not convert. That was until Rovere scored off of a Colin Cooke assist, making it 6-2 with 5:49 remaining in the first half.
High Point went into halftime down 7-2 but shined at the face-off position with Luca Accardo, who went 7-11 and collected another five ground balls. The Panthers led the Tar Heels in ground balls recovered in the first half with 17.
The Panthers' defense held strong throughout most of the third quarter behind Overend, who made three saves early and only gave up one goal.
However, the Tar Heels scored three more goals in the quarter with just over two minutes left. North Carolina went up 11-2 going into the fourth quarter.
Despite another two quick saves from Overend and seven total in the fourth, North Carolina stayed hot in the final 15 minutes by putting up another three goals to win 14-2.
Up Next: The Panthers will stay home and begin Atlantic-10 conference play against Hobart on Saturday, March 29, at 12 p.m.
#GoHPU x #A10MLAX
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