Hobart battled back from a four-goal deficit to tie High Point late in the fourth quarter, but the Panthers responded with two goals in the final three minutes to secure a 9-7 win in the Atlantic 10 opener for both teams.
Sophomore goalie Jackson Faiola made 12 saves for the Statesmen, while defenseman Brady Comella recorded three caused turnovers and four ground balls. Graduate student Cole Emmanuel won 9-of-15 faceoffs and collected a game-high six ground balls. Offensively, nine different players contributed points, with senior Will Delano leading the way with two goals.
High Point’s Justin Wixted had five points on a goal and four assists, while Owen Bunten, one of the A10’s top scorers, was held to two goals. Junior Luca Accardo won 10-of-20 faceoffs and netted the game-winner, while goalie Zack Overend made 14 saves.
High Point jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Tye Steenhuis put Hobart on the board late in the first quarter. The teams traded goals in a defensive second quarter, with the Statesmen trailing 4-2 at halftime. Hobart’s late surge tied the game at 7, but Accardo’s quick goal off the ensuing faceoff put the Panthers ahead for good.
Hobart (3-7, 0-1 A10) returns home to face nationally-ranked Richmond on April 5 at noon.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].