Dalton Christopher
Assistant Athletic Director - Communications & Media
dchristopher@transy.edu


LEXINGTON, KY - Transylvania is heading to the 2025 NCAA National Tournament after claiming the 2025 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament Championship Saturday at Pat Deacon Stadium. 

The first half of a competitive match up with Hanover was a defensive showcase, with neither team finding the opportunity to score. Hanover would take the first two shots of the evening - the first from Carter Marx, missing wide right, the second from Miles McMillen, saved by Transylvania's Jackson Holt. The Pioneers would find their first shot opportunity in the 36th minute, as Nick Haskins missed wide right on his attempt. In the 39th minute, Reece Heisel attempted a header that went high. Hanover's Brandon Elizarraras missed wide right in the 42nd minute, and Transylvania's Dylan Barnes missed wide left in the closing moments of the opening half. 

After missing their first two shots of the second half, Hanover connected on the first goal of the evening as Andrew Pavlisko scored in the 55th minute. The Pioneer defense would hold strong over the next stretch of the half, as Hanover attempted three shots and three corner kicks in a five minute stretch. Transylvania's Jackson Holt saved a shot attempt from Hanover's Patricio Campos in the 65th minute that would have given the Panthers a two goal lead. The Pioneers would have their persistence awarded in the 73rd minute, as Stone Work connected on a goal to tie the score at 1-1. Both teams would continue to attack offensively in the final stretch of the second half, including a shot attempt by Reece Heisel in the 88th minute that was saved by Hanover's Rodrigo Gutierrez. 

In the first overtime period, Hanover's Carter Marx attempted a header in the 92nd minute but it missed high, leading to a header attempt for the Pioneers by Gus Dickman in the 93rd, also missing high. In the final seconds of the first overtime, Dylan Barnes attempted a header, but it was saved by Hanover. 

Hanover would take the first shot of the second overtime period, by Miles McMillen, missing high, in the 101st minute. In the final seconds of the second overtime, Transylvania earned a corner kick opportunity from McKay Wheatley, but the Pioneers would be unable to score. 

Entering the shootout period, Hanover's first attempt by Campos was saved by Jackson Holt. Dylan Barnes would miss on his attempt, but Hanover would connect on the attempt from David Snowden. Nathan White connected on his attempt for the Pioneers to tie at 1-1.. McMillen's attempt was deflected by Holt, leading to another successful shot for the Pioneers, this time from Leo Bill. Hanover responded with a successful attempt from Andrew Pavlisko, but McKay Wheatley would match on the attempt for the Pioneers. Hanover's Omar Dizdar connected on his attempt, but Cole Varela would be the deciding attempt, scoring on the attempt to send the Pioneers to the 2025 NCAA National Tournament as the fans at Pat Deacon Stadium roared on the celebration. 

The win gives the Pioneers both the 2025 HCAC Tournament and Regular Season Championships, the first under Head Coach Ben Federici. 

Cole Varela was named Tournament MVP, along with All-Tournament honors for Stone Work, Jackson Holt and Dylan Barnes. 

Transylvania will learn of their destination on the 2025 NCAA Division III Selection Show on Monday, November 10th at 1:30 p.m.

Transylvania University is a proud member of the NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at www.transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.