Three Skyhawks Record Hat Tricks to Down Oglethorpe
ATLANTA, Ga. – After trailing twice in the first quarter, the Point University Skyhawks grabbed a 3-2 lead and didn't look back on Wednesday night, prevailing 21-7 against the homestanding Oglethorpe University Petrels for their fifth straight win.
After falling behind early, Zachary Covey put the Skyhawks ahead for good with 2:00 remaining in the opening quarter. From there, Point steadily expanded the margin, outscoring Oglethorpe in every quarter and closing the game on a 7–1 run in the fourth.
Sillers led all scorers with eight goals on 15 shots, including a buzzer-beater to end the third quarter. Covey provided a major boost as well, finishing with five goals and one assist on eight shots, while Jamison Cross added two goals and two assists. Rodney Oakley chipped in three goals and one assist, and Aaron Mordarski scored late in the second quarter to send Point into halftime firmly in control at 10–5.
Facilitating much of that production was Shaun McLaughlin, who tied the offensive unit together with a game-high six assists and one goal. McLaughlin's equalizer at 10:28 of the first quarter erased Oglethorpe's early lead, and he continued to deliver throughout, helping Point convert both in settled sets and in transition. The Skyhawks finished with 42 total shots and 31 shots on goal, compared to 38 shots and 19 on frame for Oglethorpe.
Special teams played a significant role in the outcome. Point capitalized on its extra-man opportunities, scoring four power-play goals, including three in the fourth quarter as the Skyhawks put the game out of reach. Sillers and Covey each struck on man-up sequences in the final frame, with Sillers closing the scoring at 00:56 to cap his eight-goal night and set the final score of 21–7.
Defensively, Point limited Oglethorpe's efficiency despite a faceoff disadvantage. Oglethorpe won 21 faceoffs to Point's 10, but the Skyhawks countered by forcing 22 turnovers and holding the hosts scoreless on six power-play chances. Point goalkeeper Whitman Prewitt totaled 12 saves, helping keep Oglethorpe at seven goals despite its possession edge at the X. The Skyhawks also completed 23 clears.
Now 5-1 this season, Point lacrosse will catch a breather, having the rest of the week off before their March 12th home opener against Keiser University. Opening faceoff is set for 1:00pm at River Bowl Stadium in West Point.