WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's lacrosse team kicked off its 2024 season tonight as they hosted Florida Tech in a non-conference match at the Rinker Athletic Campus. The Sailfish started the game strong against the Panthers but faded in the second half as they ultimately fell 20-10.

In their first game with Laurie Podmilsak as head coach, the Sailfish battled with a talented Panthers side in the first quarter. A high-scoring opening 15 minutes of play saw newcomer Rachel Delate score the opening goal of the season less than two minutes into the game. Returning top goal scorer Olivia Larges got her scoring tally underway a few minutes later while Delate added her second and tied the game 3-3 six minutes in. The visitors closed the quarter on a 4-1 run as Ella Howlin scored for PBA as they trailed the Panthers 7-4 after the first quarter.

The Sailfish were sharing the ball well as multiple players threatened offensively and were able to find the back of the net. Mattie Davis, Addyson Johnson, and Megan Jackson all scored a goal in the second quarter for the 'Fish but they still trailed 11-7 at the half.

PBA was outshot 23-13 in the opening half but was still hanging around in need of a scoring run. The chances of the Sailfish were put to bed as the Panthers outscored them 6-1 in the third quarter. Delate scored her third of a game-high five goals as the lone offense for PBA. FT got up by double-digits and received a running clock in the fourth quarter as they outscored PBA 3-2 in the final frame. 

The draw control battle was even in the center circle but the 'Fish struggled with turnovers at times on the night as they committed 19 and forced 13. The extra possessions resulted in FT outshooting the Sailfish 38-22 on the night. Courtney Rausch made 11 saves on the night for PBA in net but was under too much pressure, surrendering 20 goals. 

The Sailfish return to action in just three days as they host Flagler on Friday at 5 pm. The Saints entered the year ranked No. 9 in the country and defeated Florida Tech 12-9 in their lone match this season.