In a fast-paced and intense lacrosse matchup, High Point University narrowly defeated the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) 12-11 in overtime on February 8, 2025, at Drill Field #2 in Lexington, VA. Both teams showcased strong offensive performances, but it was High Point’s ability to capitalize in the final minutes that secured their hard-fought victory.
VMI started the game with an explosive offensive display, scoring seven goals in the first quarter. Wil Duffy, VMI’s standout player, led the charge, contributing two goals and one assist, while his teammates Simon Moore, Matt Nichols, and Luke Rusterucci added to the tally. VMI’s quick ball movement and precision shots put High Point on their heels early. With High Point struggling to gain possession, VMI dominated the ground ball battle 6-11 in the opening period.
Despite the early deficit, High Point refused to back down. After a flurry of goals by VMI, the Panthers found their rhythm. Owen Bunten, High Point’s leading scorer, struck first for his team at 1:18 of the first quarter, cutting the lead to 7-1. His goal was followed by a quick response from teammate Jeb Brenfleck, who added another just 17 seconds later, bringing the score to 7-2. From that point forward, High Point began to claw back into the game.
The Panthers’ offense began to click, with Bunten continuing to lead the charge. The redshirt freshman attackman finished the game with a remarkable four goals and one assist, including the game winner in overtime. Additionally, Collin Rovere was a key contributor with two goals and two assists.
High Point’s defense also stepped up, limiting VMI to just one goal in the second quarter. The Panthers’ goalkeeper Zack Overend (who appeared in relief after the 0-7 start) made several crucial saves in the second half, keeping the team in the game. Overend ended with 10 saves on the day, including some critical stops in the latter part of the game to preserve the one-goal lead.
As the game entered the final quarter, VMI still held an 11-9 lead with just over four minutes remaining. However, High Point’s offense wasn’t done yet. Colin Cooke’s unassisted goal at 13:59 in the fourth quarter made it 9-11, while Rovere’s goal on an assist from Matt Lutzel made it 10-11 with 11:27 left. And Rovere scored again with :47 seconds left in the game to take it to overtime.
Bunten, once again, was the hero, scoring his fourth goal of the game with just 1:34 left in overtime, assisted by Justin Wixted to win the game.
Despite strong individual performances from VMI’s Duffy (3 goals, 1 assist) and Rusterucci (3 goals, 1 assist), the Panthers’ resilience and timely scoring proved to be the difference. High Point’s victory marks an early-season triumph that will surely boost the team’s confidence as they move forward in their season.
With 225 fans in attendance, the matchup lived up to its billing, featuring high intensity, stellar individual performances, and a thrilling finish that will be remembered by those fortunate enough to witness it.
