HIGH POINT, N.C. — The 2026 season is rolling for the High Point University women's lacrosse team.

It's been a rigorous schedule to begin the campaign as the Panthers have faced two ranked teams — No. 14 Duke and No. 11 Navy — along with former conference foe Campbell through three games, and have another test on the way at No. 19 Denver on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.  

"We talked about it on Tuesday morning in the locker room with the team," HPU Head Coach Lyndsey Boswell said. "We have choices as a coaching staff, and we could have done this a different way and possibly have a different record right now. So, while we are not happy or content with the results of these games, we are very much focused not on the outcome, but on the learning process. We always do it this way."

The early-season tests are put in a place by Boswell and her staff for a reason. It's a way to instantly challenge the team, seeing where they stand against top-tier competition and the areas the team needs to improve.

Though the win-loss columns are swayed more right through three games, the Panthers are making strides as they continue to power through a non-conference schedule that still has No. 19 Denver, Elon, Liberty, and Virginia Tech coming before Big South Conference play begins halfway through March.

"We feel like by the time conference comes around we should have seen all of the different elements," Boswell said, "and we rely on these teams to expose our weaknesses for us so that we know what we need to improve on throughout the year. We've already faced so much adversity just in three games, so it makes me feel like going into Denver, we've seen a lot from our team. We know what we are working with, and I'm excited about it."

The strength of schedule is all by design as the Panthers hit the road for the first time following a three-game homestand. Boswell believes her team will take another step forward at the tail end of spring break, where the Panthers have spent the week together watching film, practicing and bonding through team activities and meals.

The team building and chemistry will only continue to blossom as High Point flies across the country for its first game at the University of Denver since 2013 and only its third-ever matchup against the Pioneers, who are undefeated so far this season.

High Point will have two days to adjust to the change of altitude and time difference, only setting up itself as another test for the young Panthers in this season-long journey.

"We are excited to be on the road and traveling together," Boswell said. "It was nice to be at home to open the season for three games, but we are looking forward to getting the experience together and spring break gives us that opportunity. I think the time spent off the field in hotel rooms and getting meals together, and even practicing in a different environment, it puts us in a place where we have to communicate more. We are looking forward to building chemistry and relationships this week."

The team isn't pleased with the results, but are confident in what is to come as the Panthers' rapport has only continued to heighten game-by-game.

It's proven in the national rankings, too, as High Point is ranked 19th in caused turnovers and 18th in ground balls. Meanwhile, individually, midfielder Bella Germani is 16th in ground balls per game and 34th in caused turnovers per game and captain goalie Ava Welsh is 10th in ground balls per game.

The positive plays are shown in film and the stat sheet to teach confidence, while the teachable moments are bookmarked to learn from and build patience.

Boswell is excited about each unit as growth has been on display every time out. The defense has returned every starter — Julia Dustin, Sydney Martin, Haley Urban and Ava Welsh — while getting back captain Caitlyn Baehr from injury, and adding a transfer in Anna Westervelt on top of other returners like Jaidyn Donley and Emerson Pekarcik making an impact.

The depth seeps into the midfield as Germani has shined on all parts of the field, while redshirt freshman Laney Schmith and senior Lauren Pujolar have made a difference with maturity and athleticism. It's a unit finding a new voice as captain Mandy Brockamp graduated after being the glue and an influential player on and off the field.

"We feel good about the depth we have," Boswell said. "Just the consistency; we are working towards it."

Offensively, captain Shannon Smith and fellow senior Reese Dowgiallo have brought back a lot of production in an attack unit that lost Allie Connally and Esprit Cha, who led the way by example and authority.

The offense is still looking for more consistency within its group as Smith and Dowgiallo are at the forefront with Lily Trout, Kate Prentice and Tatum Goettelmann and others following suit.  

"We've played such tough defenses so far that just for them to believe in the system and believe that it's happening," Boswell said. "It's happening in practice right now, but we are seeing some really tough defenders. We are seeing some really get goalies, so it is improving their game, even though it may not be showing up on the stat sheet. They are improving, and I think when the time is right, those shots are going to start falling but right now, it is getting them to buy into the process and giving them confidence in practice so that when it starts to happen in a game, they feel like the work they're putting in is worth it."

The draw unit is building as well as it has filtered multiple players in-and-out like Trout, Gracie Vickery, Mairin Kelly and Addison McEvers through three games.

Each group is working, growing and stacking days. The Panthers are being patient to see it all come together as one.

It's only a matter of when it happens. Boswell is steadfast in that, and the captains are making sure of it.

'They're so great. I love our captains," Boswell said. "They're honest and trustworthy. They always have the team first in their minds. They've done a great job bridging the gap between us and the team, and mostly they're just willing to do whatever it takes for this group to be successful, extremely committed group to finding solutions quickly and taking action."