Men’s lacrosse team struggles in season start
By Deirdre Logan // Sports Editor
The High Point University men’s lacrosse team has had a slow start to their 2016 season. Currently maintaining a 0-3 record, the Panthers are working hard in practice in order to get a win in the upcoming games.
During their first game against number three ranked Duke University, the Panthers came out strong only to lose it later in the game. The Panthers started strong in the first half only trailing the Blue Devils by three points. Senior Dan Lomas led the scoring while sophomore Zach Tuell kept strong in the goal box.
“We didn’t do a good job of getting possession in the middle third of the game and had some lapses on defense and when you play a team like Duke, they will take advantage,” said head coach Jon Torpey.
After the first half, Duke pulled away earning a 17-6 point win over HPU.
“That’s the first time our offensive group has played together this season due to some injuries, so it’s going to take a while for those guys to jell,” Torpey said. “I think we’re younger than most people think and we’re just going to have to get better.”
Despite their loss at Duke, the Panthers stepped up and were very competitive in their home opener against Boston University. During the game, HPU maintained a close tail on the Terriers only to fall to them 13-10. Junior Michael LeClair dominated the offense, registering six of the 10 points for the Panthers. Tuell maintained strength in the goal box once again registering six saves.
“Hats off to BU, they are a well-coached team that put together a strong 60-minute effort,” Torpey said. “We simply have to get back to competing every minute of every day and focus on us. I’m looking forward to the way our guys respond.”
In their most recent game against number four ranked Maryland, the Panthers fell yet again. Lomas led the team from the beginning, scoring two goals while freshman Tim Troutner made 10 saves holding the score at 6-3 at the end of the first half. The Panthers made a promising advantage in earned ground balls but it could not match the Terrapins. HPU had 26 shot attempts while Maryland has a total of 50. In the end HPU lost to Maryland 15-10.
“I really admired the way our guys competed,” Torpey said. “If a few things went our way in the second half, the game could have been a little different.”
After their first three games, HPU is carrying a disappointing season opening. They will continue to practice hard and strive for their best performance in their upcoming games.
“We will continue to work hard and make sure to grow from this experience,” Torpey said.
The next home game for the Panthers is on Saturday, March 5 against Marist College.