The High Point University women's lacrosse team kicked off their 2026 season with a 14-6 defeat against 14th-ranked Duke University. The Panthers struggled offensively, conceding a 5-0 run at the start, despite a strong defensive effort which resulted in 13 total forced turnovers. Senior Reese Dowgiallo highlighted the match with a hat trick, securing three goals, while Ava Welsh made a notable seven saves in goal. Head Coach Lyndsey Boswell expressed disappointment over the scoreline but praised the team's defense and preparation for future matches.

By the Numbers
  • 14 goals scored by Duke University.
  • 6 goals scored by High Point University.
  • 3 goals scored by Reese Dowgiallo.
  • 13 turnovers forced by High Point's defense.
State of Play
  • High Point's record stands at 0-1, while Duke improves to 1-0.
  • Next match for High Point is against Campbell on February 14 at 1 p.m.
  • The team features eight returning starters, indicating strong continuity.
What's Next

The Panthers will look to regroup and improve as they prepare for their next game against Campbell. Focus will be on enhancing offensive momentum and maintaining defensive pressure.

Bottom Line

Despite the season-opening loss, High Point demonstrated potential, especially in defense. The team aims to leverage the lessons learned from this match to improve performance in upcoming contests.