WILSON, N.C. — The Sailfish of Palm Beach Atlantic (1-0) edged out a thrilling 12-11 win against Lees-McRae (0-1) at Truist Stadium on Thursday. The 'Fish showcased their prowess on the power play, netting two key goals in the fourth quarter.

Lucas Sharrer was on fire, scoring three goals on three shots, demonstrating his pinpoint accuracy. Braylon Baker was a force, adding three goals and two assists, and converting a crucial power-play opportunity. Zion Lee chipped in with two goals from three shots, including a slick unassisted score. Gabe Eckhart made waves with two goals and an assist, nailing the game-winner and capitalizing on a power-play chance.

The Sailfish charged out of the gate in the first quarter. Sharrer kicked things off with a goal, assisted by Cooper Porter at 11:53. Seconds later, Baker doubled the lead, with another assist from Porter. Riding the momentum, Lee scored to push the lead to 3-0.

Lees-McRae answered back midway through the quarter with goals from Cayden Onagi and Adam Ross, but the 'Fish held a slim 3-2 lead as the first quarter closed.

The Bobcats struck early in the second quarter with a man-up goal from Onagi, assisted by Cole Cameron, and then took the lead with a goal from Cole Morris. Not to be outdone, the Sailfish responded with Baker finding the net, thanks to Porter's assist, trimming the deficit.

Despite some turnovers and fierce defense, the teams battled evenly. Vincent Probst's critical saves kept the 'Fish in striking distance, and the quarter ended with a tight 4-4 score, setting up a nail-biting second half.

Lees-McRae came out swinging in the third quarter, scoring at 14:20. The 'Fish, however, answered back in a man-down situation with a goal by Eckhart, assisted by Baker. LMC surged ahead with a series of goals, building a 9-5 lead midway through the quarter.

The Sailfish dug deep, starting with Lee's goal, assisted by Baker, closing the gap. Donovan O'Toole scored while man-down, and Jackson Trevaskiss capped the quarter with a goal, assisted by Dominic Barnshaw. The 'Fish pulled within one, closing the third quarter at 9-8.

In the fourth, Palm Beach Atlantic took advantage of an early Lees-McRae penalty, with Baker scoring a man-up goal, assisted by William Sloyan, to even things up. Sharrer then struck twice, with assists from Trevaskiss and Eckhart, pushing the 'Fish ahead. Eckhart added his own power-play goal, assisted by Patrick Law, cementing the lead.

The Bobcats fought back with goals from Onagi and Carter Whissell, but Jack Bryant's clutch saves, including one in the dying seconds, preserved the lead. The 'Fish defense stood strong to the end, sealing a hard-fought 12-11 victory.

The Sailfish are back in action tomorrow against Barton at noon as part of their two game road series in Wilson.