Panthers stand in way of Eagles’ NCAA bid

The Winthrop lacrosse team will make a return trip to the Big South championship Saturday at noon , hosting High Point at Eagle Field on ESPN3.

The Eagles earned their second consecutive appearance with an 8-4 semifinal victory over Coastal Carolina Thursday. High Point defeated Campbell 19-6 to earn its third overall appearance in the conference title game.

Winthrop and High Point met earlier this season in the regular-season finale as the Eagles came away with a 14-13 victory to win the regular-season title and the rights to host the championship. The last three contests between the teams have all been decided by one goal. High Point bested Winthrop in the 2015 season finale with an 8-7 overtime victory. The Eagles earned a measure of revenge only a week later in the conference tourney semifinals, coming away with a thrilling 11-10 victory, sending Winthrop to its first conference title game.

Saturday’s winner will receive the Big South’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The selection show is scheduled for 9 p.m. on Sundayon ncaa.com. Tickets will be on sale at the field box office. Prices are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors (55+), children (12 and under) and Winthrop faculty/staff with ID and $1 for college students with ID. The Eagle Field box office is cash only.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 6:59 PM with the headline "Panthers stand in way of Eagles’ NCAA bid."