WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic men's lacrosse team were victorious in their final game of the season against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Both teams played physically, as there was a potential playoff spot on the line for the winner.

In the first quarter, both teams came out hungry, as each needed a win to secure a playoff spot in the Sunshine State Conference tournament. Embry-Riddle scored first with only a little over two minutes played, but PBA responded quickly after Cooper Porter nodded it up at one apiece at the 11-minute mark. Porter wasn't finished, as he put the 'Fish up 2-1 on an assist from Henry Sloyan. About a minute later, Sarver Adams got in on the scoring action to give PBA a 3-1 lead. The Eagles finally caught fire and went on a 3-0 run to give them their second lead of the evening at 4-3 with only 30 seconds remaining in the quarter.

Keegan Southard got the Sailfish going right away to even up the score early in the period. A few minutes later, an Embry-Riddle player got a penalty due to unnecessary roughness, which gave the 'Fish a man-up opportunity. That led to Henry Sloyan being able to slice through the Eagle defense easily and give PBA the lead back at 5-4. Shortly after, Embry-Riddle tied up the game once again, but Sloyan put the 'Fish back up 6-5 with just under eight minutes remaining in the half. The Eagles responded fast with a 2-0 run to change the lead to their favor at 7-6. With a minute remaining in the half, Porter scored again to make it 7-7 going into the break.

To open up the second half, Hunter Hopman finally got going after missing his first few shots to put the Sailfish back up. Embry-Riddle would just not go away, as they went on another quick 2-0 that occurred within 37 seconds. Thankfully, Porter was feeling himself, as he responded with two more goals of his own to put the 'Fish up 10-9. There was even more back-and-forth action to follow after the Eagles tied up the game at 10. Porter scored again with four minutes remaining in the period. Embry-Riddle did manage to even the score before the quarter concluded, making it 11-11 going into the fourth. 

Hopman established PBA dominance early, after opening up another quarter with a score within eight seconds of play. The Sailfish led 12-11, but no more than 50 seconds later, the Eagles responded again to tie it up at 12. With 11 minutes remaining, Sloyan scored his second goal to put the 'Fish up 13-12, and after both teams went scoreless for six minutes, Porter put the seal in the coffin with his seventh goal of the evening, which gave PBA their largest lead since being up 3-1 early in the first at 14-12. Embry-Riddle did manage to score one more goal, but the 'Fish played outstanding physical defense to take home the victory. Unfortunately, the Sailfish thought that secured them a playoff spot, but were saddened to find out that an upset by Saint Leo University over No. 5 Rollins ultimately would conclude their season.

Porter was the most notable performer for the 'Fish, scoring seven goals on nine shots. Sloyan also came to play, as he scored three goals, had one assist, and hit two ground balls. Hopman had two goals himself in the second half alone and had four ground balls to go with his stat sheet. Brendan Pedisich started as goalie and played the entire game. He had 17 saves on 13 goal attempts.

PBA wants to extend its gratitude to the seniors who gave it their all throughout their entire careers and this season. We wish you the best of luck in your next chapter of life.