WEST PALM BEACH, Fla- The Palm Beach Atlantic men's lacrosse team opened up the 2022 season with a dramatic 9-8 overtime win over Flagler at the Rinker Athletic Campus on Sunday. For the Sailfish (1-0) this marks their first win under interim head coach Jesse Vanatta. It was the heroics of freshman Caleb Southard, who scored PBA's final two goals including the game-winner. Southard finished the game with two goals and one assists.

The Sailfish started the game hot offensively. With 13:15 left in the first quarter PBA midfielder Hunter Hopman found Austin Evans in front of the crease for the first goal of the year. PBA increased their lead to 2-0 when defender Hunter Sheffield picked up a ground ball and scored on a breakaway. Zack Figura tacked on another goal with 8:54 left in the first quarter for a 3-0 PBA lead.

The Flagler Saints crawled back from the 3-0 deficit scoring the games next four goals. Down 4-3, PBA midfielder Henry Sloyan tied the game with one minute and ten seconds left in the second quarter. Hopman distributed a skip pass to Sloyan who ripped a rocket into the back of the net. Sloyan finished the game with two goals and one assist. The score was tied 4-4 at halftime.  

Hopman started the scoring frenzy in the second half when he scored his first goal of the year with 13:49 in the third quarter. Hopman finished the game with two goals and two assists. The 'Fish went on a 3-0 run and held Flagler scoreless in the third quarter. PBA goalkeeper Ben Lightsey started in net and recorded 13 saves. The 'Fish caused 23 turnovers and went 8-20 on face-offs. 

With a 7-4 PBA lead the Saints generated offense. The Saints capitalized on fourth quarter penalties from the 'Fish and scored two man-up goals. The Saints tied the game at 7-7 with 4:32 seconds. With just under three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Southard intercepted a pass in front of the goalie and finished it to give PBA the 8-7 lead. FC's Thomas Pritchard tied the game with 2:26 seconds left. After exchanging possession and shots, the end of regulation forced overtime. 

Both teams had possessions and clean looks to score in overtime. With 1:47 left in the overtime period, Sloyan passed it to Southard in the middle of the defense. Southard turned and buried a low shot to give PBA the 9-8 win. 

Up next for PBA (1-0), they will face off against SSC opponent Rollins on Saturday Feb. 19 at the Rinker Athletic Campus.