Despite rainy conditions, the High Point men's club lacrosse team (3-2) earned its first MCLA regular season victory in program history, 9-7, over Virginia Tech's (0-2) Division II team Sunday afternoon at Congdon Field. 

The first quarter was slow and messy for HPU, as it struggled to move the ball on transition and got stuck on defense for a majority of the opening quarter. It wasn't until there were three seconds left in the opening frame that High Point would score off an isolation from up top for the game's first goal. 

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers established a strong defensive rhythm early despite the struggles to move the ball across the midfield line. 

High Point then scored again early in the second quarter to give itself a 2-0 advantage. Minutes later, Virginia Tech responded to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, High Point scored another two goals before halftime to give itself a 6-4 lead at the break. 

The Panthers and Hokies traded goals for most of the second half. But HPU's improved transition game, and stout defense, ultimately secured the two-goal win, the program's first since transitioning to the MCLA D2 level this season. 

"I'm pretty confident in the defensive half of the field. I think we've gotten better since the fall," senior close defenseman Geoff Arraste said. "Our defense has become way more cohesive. Spending time together off the field has helped us communicate better and execute at a higher level." 

The Panthers have emphasized consistent practice attendance, physical preparation and accountability this season, areas that head coach Austin Miller believe contribute to the team's progress. 

"This is our first win as an MCLA team, and it's something we've been working toward," coach Miller said. "I couldn't be more proud of the group and excited about the future of the program." 

HPU will visit Greenville, N.C. to face East Carolina on Saturday, February 21st, before hosting divisional rival Elon on March 6 at Vert Stadium.