MELBOURNE, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's lacrosse team dropped an SSC game to the Florida Tech Panthers 17-11. Hunter Hopman notched his third career hat trick. Additionally, PBA sophomore Blake Rowse scored a career-high three goals and earned his first career hat trick. Defensively, Dylan Hunt, Hunter Sheffield, Christian Bond, and William Santella caused one turnover each. Ben Lightsey started in net for the 'Fish and made a game-high 15 saves. 

The Sailfish and Panthers exchanged goals through out the first quarter. PBA capitalized on a man-up opportunity with 10:54 in the first. Caleb Southard assisted Cooper Porter. Porter ripped a shot sidearm on the perimeter for PBA's first goal. Henry Sloyan tacked on his 79th career goal with 5:32 left in the opening quarter. PBA trailed 3-2 after the first.

Hopman led the Sailfish offensively in the second quarter with two goals. The Panthers went on a 5-0 run and closed out the half with a 9-4 lead. With 7:25 in the third quarter, Blake Rowse found the back of the net.  With 39 seconds left in the quarter, Neil Calkin launched a shot inside for his 12th goal of the season. 

In the fourth quarter, the Sailfish outscored the Panthers 5-3. Southard distributed his second assist to Rowse who scored his second goal with 9:17 left in the game. With 5:44 left in the fourth quarter the 'Fish went on a 4-0 run and started to mount a comeback. Jonah Robertson scored his ninth goal of the season. PBA rattled off three goals in 38 seconds. Southard called his own number with 3:43. Southard finished the game with one goal and two assists. Rowse completed his hat trick with 3:29 left. The Georgia native has scored four goals this season. For PBA's final goal Hopman ripped a shot and scored his 42nd career goal with 3:05 left in the game. Ultimately, PBA's comeback came up short. 

Florida Tech outshot PBA 49-34. The Panthers committed five less turnovers and picked up 10 more ground balls than the Sailfish. 

Next, PBA hosts Lynn on Wednesday, Apr. 12.