WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic men’s lacrosse led early but couldn’t hold on against Saint Michael’s on Tuesday afternoon as the Sailfish suffered a 9-5 setback at the hands of the Purple Knights.

PBA led 2-1 seven minutes in as Jackson Miller and Zach Holmes each found the back of the net. The Purple Knights scored four straight as the ‘Fish went nearly 18 minutes without a goal. Blake Israel made it 5-3 in the second period, a score that took the teams into the halftime break.

PBA was shut out in the third period before scoring first in the fourth as Townsend Brown brought the ‘Fish within three at 7-4. Saint Michael’s answered as Ralph Grillone III scored the third of his four goals in the game. Miller added his second of the game to bring PBA back within three but Grillone added his fourth with a minute to play to seal the game.

The Sailfish picked up 49 ground balls to 42 for the Purple Knights as both teams battled the wet, soggy field all game long. Landon Johnson led the ‘Fish with six ground balls as he also won nine of 14 face offs. Jackson Millerand Scottie McLean each picked up five ground balls. Ben Savick made eight saves in goal for the Sailfish.

The Sailfish return to SSC action on Friday as they travel to No. 16 Saint Leo for a 7 p.m. start.