Heartbreaking Loss: Panthers Conclude A10 Regular Season with Tough Final Game – High Point University Athletics

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The High Point University men’s lacrosse team faced off against St. Bonaventure in their final Atlantic 10 regular-season game. The Panthers lost a close match, 10-9, in the final minutes.

The game took place at the Tom 80′ and Michelle Marra Athletics Field Complex. This loss brings High Point’s record to 6-8 (3-2 in the conference), while St. Bonaventure stands at 6-10 (1-4).

High Point started strong with Owen Bunten scoring the first goal. Tommy Meehan followed up, giving the Panthers a quick 2-0 lead just four minutes into the game. However, St. Bonaventure responded, scoring their first goal at 5:52.

Both teams took their time to settle, but Collin Rovere added a third goal for High Point, ending the first quarter with a 3-1 lead.

In the second quarter, the Panthers caught fire, scoring three goals in five minutes. Notably, Caio Stephens and Josh Weitzman netted their first career goals. Even more impressive was Bunten’s behind-the-back goal, pushing the score to 6-1.

With time running out in the half, both teams exchanged goals, bringing the score to 7-2 at halftime.

The second half saw Rovere score again, bringing his tally to two goals for the game. St. Bonaventure then surged, scoring three unanswered goals to close the gap to 8-5.

Rovere struck again to complete his hat trick, but the Panthers’ offense struggled after that. The Bonnies found their rhythm, scoring five consecutive goals, taking the lead 10-9 with just four minutes remaining.

In their desperate final possession, High Point took two shots but couldn’t find the back of the net, leading to their narrow defeat.

Bunten’s stellar performance puts him just three goals away from breaking the HPU rookie single-season goal record. He currently leads the team with 35 goals this season.

What’s Next?
High Point is now awaiting the seedings for the A10 Tournament, starting May 1 in Philadelphia.

This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. According to recent statistics from NCAA lacrosse, games often hinge on the last few minutes, and emotional momentum swings can be pivotal. Teams facing such pressures often have to rely on not just skill, but also mental fortitude.

Moreover, with the rapid growth of lacrosse as a sport among younger athletes, we can expect even higher competition levels in upcoming seasons. Social media is buzzing with fans discussing highlights, particularly about Bunten’s flashy plays and Rovere’s hat trick, demonstrating how impactful these moments are in engaging the fanbase.

For more information on collegiate lacrosse trends, you can consult the NCAA’s official lacrosse page.

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