Harrisonburg, Va. – The Transylvania field hockey team battled tightly with the Eastern Mennonite Royals to the final minute before enduring a 1-0 defeat at EMU Turf Field on Saturday afternoon.

Seeking their first win of the season in their opening weekend test, the Pioneers tussled with the Royals in a defensive bout that saw no score in the first three quarters and a scoreless tie remaining deep into the fourth quarter.

Transylvania's aggression surged in the final quarter as the Pioneers sought the go-ahead goal. Half of the Pioneers' eight shots in the game arrived in the fourth quarter as Sophie Danise and Mirabel Noltemeyer took aim at the Royals' goal with seven minutes to go in regulation. The Eastern Mennonite goalie pounced on both attempts from the Pioneers to hold Transy at bay.

With under two minutes to go, Makenna Saward fired away at the goal after a penalty corner by Noltemayer but came up empty. The Royals took advantage in transition, finding the game-winner with under a minute to go as the Pioneers ended up on the short end of a dramatic finish.

Noltemeyer led the Pioneers with four shots, one of which came on goal. Danise and Catherine Harney each also found one shot on goal. Sidney Varney was steadfast in goal for the Pioneers, making five saves on the afternoon.

The Pioneers head back to Lexington for their home opener on Wednesday, September 8 against the Wittenberg University Tigers. The contest is scheduled for an 6:00 p.m. start at Pat Deacon Stadium.

For more on Transylvania field hockey, follow @TransyFH on Twitter