WILSON, N.C. — The Sailfish of Palm Beach Atlantic (2-0) pulled off a thrilling 10-9 victory over Barton College (1-2) at Truist Stadium on Friday. A clutch power-play goal in the final stretch sealed the win, capitalizing on the Bulldogs' 19 turnovers.

Goalie Jack Bryant was a force in the net, making 16 saves on 37 shots and allowing just nine goals. Patrick Law delivered the game-winner and added an assist to his tally. Gabe Eckhart led the offensive charge with three goals, two unassisted, while Noah Zimmerman shone with two goals and two assists, proving his play-making prowess.

Barton struck first with a goal from Tim Blanch, assisted by Nick Nelson. The 'Fish quickly answered back with two goals—one from Cooper Porter, assisted by Zimmerman, and another from Eckhart, set up by Jackson Trevaskiss—pushing ahead 2-1 mid-quarter.

The Bulldogs evened things up with a score from Marvin Johnson, ending the first quarter at a 2-2 deadlock, setting the stage for a fierce battle.

The second quarter saw the 'Fish grab momentum with a faceoff win by Colin Delo. Braylon Baker cashed in on this advantage with a goal, assisted by Trevaskiss, putting PBA back on top. Ryan O'Dare found the net again, assisted by William Sloyan, but Barton responded with a string of goals, including a man-up tally by Gabe Thompson.

Despite a strong push from the 'Fish, including a late save by Barton's defense, the Bulldogs held a 6-4 lead at halftime.

The third quarter kicked off with a turnover forced by Jack Jeffcoat. However, Barton extended their lead, cashing in on an extra-man chance. The 'Fish battled back, with Zimmerman scoring, assisted by Baker, narrowing the gap.

Zimmerman tied it up at 7-7, assisted by Baker, and Eckhart's two goals, including the go-ahead, put the Sailfish up 8-7. PBA's defense, anchored by a crucial save from Bryant, kept Barton at bay as the quarter closed with the 'Fish in the lead.

Barton clawed back in the fourth, with Johnson scoring early. PBA ramped up the pressure, with Tyler DeGirolamo winning critical faceoffs and O'Dare and Eckhart making attempts, but Barton's goalie, Luke Woollard, stood firm.

In the waning moments, Sloyan's goal, assisted by Law, tied the game at 9-9. Barton made a last-ditch effort, but Bryant's save on Logan McGrath's shot kept the score level.

Palm Beach Atlantic took full advantage in the fifth quarter with a man-up opportunity. Eli Baffone's turnover set up Law, assisted by Zimmerman, for the decisive score. The 'Fish wrapped up the game ahead 10-9, sealing a hard-earned victory.

The Sailfish get next week off as they prepare to go back on the road to face Flagler College on February 17th.