LEXINGTON- The Transylvania Men's Lacrosse team was back at Pat Deacon on a perfect Saturday afternoon as the Pioneers faced off against the Capital Comets. The Pioneers come into this game after defeating Albion on the road in dominating fashion 15-9. The Pioneers came into this game with great momentum stomping out any doubt that last week was a fluke, dismantling Capital 15-8 for the win. The Pioneers move to 4-4 on the season after this win and make the program record against Capital 2-3 as the Pioneers and Comets continue to trade as winners each year. 

This game was played at the Pioneers pace, early on Transylvania would get down 0-4 before Andrew Welch would take matters into his own hands, lacing the first shot for the Pioneers to get on the bord. Welch would have a good game, finishing the day with 2 assists to go along with this goal. From here the Pioneers would allow two more goals, going down 1-6 with 14 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. This would be the turning point as Transy would go on a 8-0 run for the next 11 minutes of game time, followed by a 6-0 run as Capital would score with 10 minutes to go in the 3rd.

Head Coach Logan Otto would say: "This was a gut check game for us. We gave up some easy goals early and showed a lot of mental fortitude down 6-1 to continue battling." 

Kade Kruger would be today's leader offensively, Kruger would end the day with 3 goals, 1 assist, 1 ground ball, and 2 caused turnovers. Kruger was key in keeping the momentum on the Pioneers side scoring 2 goals in the first half, then ending the game with the Pioneers 15th goal. Not to be outmatched, Casey Fagan joined the shooting party as he would have 3 goals of his own to give him his 4th hat trick of the season. From the midfield position Alex Madson would have another outstanding game, quickly becoming one of the better 2 way players as he would end the day with 2 goals, matching his season high. Madson would break his career high in this game, having 2 assists, adding to this Madson had 2 ground balls. 

Face offs today were full of excitement as both teams would win a good amount with the Pios winning 15 compared to Capitals 12. The real show came from Sophomore Parker Rowland who would be instant offense, winning 2 face offs to himself scoring 2 goals unassisted. These 2 goals today would earn his first career goals setting a new career high and entering the Pioneers scoring category. Logan Otto would share his thoughts "I am really proud of our men and the grit we showed at the face off dot."

 The Pioneers would clear efficiently completing 29 out of the possible 32 clears, led by an outstanding goalie effort as Ben Pund would have 17 saves. 17 saves is a new career high for Pund as the Freshman continues to impress, only allowing 8 goals on the day, facing 35 shots.

Otto would add: "This is the type of win you get super proud of as a coach. We know Capital is as tough as it gets which will benefit us going into conference season."

The Pioneers will continue this 5 game home stretch as in-state rival Centre College comes to Lexington, March 27th at 7:00PM.