MACON, Ga. — Shannon Smith led High Point University with five points in the Big South Conference Women's Lacrosse Championship on Sunday as the Panthers fell short of Mercer University, 16-8. The result ends the Panthers' season for their second straight 12-win season.
 
Smith, Bella Germani and Mandy Brockamp were named to the Big South All-Championship Team.
 
SITE: Five Star Stadium
SCORE: High Point 8, Mercer 16
RECORDS: High Point (12-6), Mercer (12-7)
 
Head Coach Lyndsey Boswell: "I'm really disappointed with the result today, but that's sports, credit to Mercer, it wasn't our day. I'm so proud of this team, and most proud of the captains and seniors with the most amazing leadership. They are honest, loyal, and they lead with the highest level of integrity. With or without a championship, they left their mark and I'm going to miss them so much. We love our University, and we remain grateful for the opportunities and resources that come with being a High Point Panther."
 
The intensity was high from the jump as both teams were vying for the first points. HPU used a transition play to get the scoring started as Ava Welsh registered the save and Reese Dowgiallo finished it on the other end, thanks to a Smith assist.

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Mercer responded with a pair of goals, and then Brockamp netted her 100th career point — via a dish from Dowgiallo — to make it 2-all to end the first quarter. The Bears used an 8-3 run in the second quarter to carry a 10-5 lead into halftime.
 
Smith netted a hat trick in the second quarter alone, including a free position goal with eight seconds remaining after a Mercer turnover resulted into the junior's four-point first half.

From that angle??

We see you, Shannon ??#BigSouthLax x @hpuwlax pic.twitter.com/ni8t2Ar9tz

— Big South Conference (@BigSouthSports) May 4, 2025

 
The Bears didn't allow a goal in the third quarter, scoring a trio of goals to take a 13-5 lead into the final quarter. High Point netted three straight in the fourth quarter to cut at the deficit, but Germani's two goals and Smith's fourth weren't enough to complete the comeback.
 
Allie Connally led the draw unit with seven while Lauren Pujolar had three draw controls. Connally and Sarah Johnson also each had an assist. Tatum Mehring paced the defense with three ground balls and a turnover, while Ava Welsh had nine saves in the cage.