NEW CONCORD, Ohio – The Panther men's lacrosse team (1-0 overall) dropped their 2024 season opener on Saturday afternoon at Muskingum, 23-7.
 
Hanover was led in the contest by junior Owen Parker (O'Fallon, Mo.) with a team-high four goals on nine shots. As a unit, Hanvoer combined for 29 shots, 16 of which landed on frame.  
 
The Panthers provided the first goal of the 2024 season at the 14:00 minute mark as senior Nick Adams (Greenwood, Ind.) navigated the Muskingum defense, 1-0. However, the Fighting Muskies responded with a six goal outburst that saw them carry the 6-1 advantage into the second frame.
 
Parker halted the surge as he was able to find his first goal of the contest at the 10:45 mark in the second period. He would net the final Panther first half goal following a helper by junior Scott Dues (Louisville, Ky.).
 
The second half saw the Panthers look to stage a comeback as sophomore Colin O'Brien (Somers, Conn.) and Parker delt back-to-back blows pulling Hanover within 9-5. But Muskingum remained poise blowing the contest wide open. Senior Cole Finley (Louisa, Va.) provided the Panthers final goal at the 7:19 point in the fourth quarter.
 
The Muskies recorded the final four goals en route to the victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 17 when they host Wilmington. Game time is set for 3:30 PM.