HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover men's lacrosse team welcomed Concordia Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon for their home opener. The Panthers dropped the non-conference match-up, 11-7.
 
Hanover was led in the contest by senior Ian Kimmins (Dayton, Ohio) and freshman Luke Kowalka (Kalispell, MtT.) with two goal apiece.
 
The opening period saw the Blue and Red strike first as senior Jackson Wheeler (Indianapolis, Ind.) picked up a ground ball in front of the net for the go-ahead goal at the 12:06 mark, 1-0. However, Concordia responded minutes later knotting the score. The Falcons continued to attack the Panther defense as they added another goal as time expired in the opening frame, 2-1.
 
Hanover looked to find an equalizer as they were able to get pressure on the net early in the second period but fell unsuccessful. Concordia, however, was able to navigate the Panther defense and connect for two more goals, 4-1.
 
Kowalka deemed clutch for Hanover as he connected on a pass from Kimmins at the 7:04 mark for his first goal of the afternoon, 4-2. Concordia tacked on two more goals to close out the opening half, 6-2.
 
The second half would see the Blue and Red make a strong push as Kimmins delivered his first blow at the 7:09 mark. The Panthers continued on the attack as Kimmins again found the back of the net to pull HC within 6-4.
 
Hanover's final goal of the third period came from the stick of Kowalka as he best the Falcon keeper to cut the deficit to 6-5. But Concordia responded netting three straight goals to push the difference. Trailing 9-5, senior Eric Hopkins (Evansville, Ind.) and freshman Will Slover (Versailles, Ky.) provided a little relief for the Blue and Red as they connected for back-to-back goals with just over 11 minutes remaining, 9-7.
 
However, that's all they wrote for the Panthers as Concordia netted the final two scores of the afternoon for the 11-7 victory.
 
The Panthers return to action on Wednesday, March 17 when they welcome Wabash. Game time is slated for 4:00 PM.