High Point, N.C. — The High Point University women’s lacrosse team faced off against East Carolina University at Vert Stadium on Wednesday. It was a close game, but the Panthers fell short, losing 14-13. Lily Trout and Ella McKay both scored three goals, while freshman Anna Mullikin stood out with a personal best of five points.
Despite the loss, Head Coach Lyndsey Boswell praised her team’s determination. She noted, “We showed grit and resilience. I’m proud of the bench’s contributions. We had opportunities, but we need to be more consistent in scoring.”
The game started strong for High Point. Trout opened the scoring just 50 seconds in, soon followed by Mullikin, putting the Panthers ahead 2-0. However, East Carolina quickly equalized. The Panthers regained momentum with Mullikin assisting McKay for another goal, and by halftime, they led 8-7.
As the second half unfolded, the teams traded goals. With under a minute left in the third quarter, High Point led 10-9, but East Carolina surged ahead, scoring three times in the final minutes. The Panthers fought hard, even forcing 16 turnovers, but could not close the gap.
Goalie Ava Welsh made six crucial saves. Meanwhile, Mullikin’s defensive efforts were commendable, as she led the team in forced turnovers.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will travel to Boiling Springs, N.C., for a match against Gardner-Webb. As they prepare, Coach Boswell hopes to build on their fighting spirit to improve in conference play.
This matchup showcases the evolving landscape of women’s sports, heavily influenced by increased visibility and support. A survey from the Women’s Sports Foundation found that participation in girls’ sports is at an all-time high, with 1 in 2 girls now involved in sports, which may enhance the talent pool for teams like High Point.
For ongoing updates and insights about women’s lacrosse, you can follow NCAA women’s lacrosse for the latest stats and rankings.
