LEXINGTON, KY – Transylvania University captured the 2026 HCLC Tournament Championship on Sunday afternoon with a dominant 23-0 win over Hanover at Pat Deacon Stadium, earning an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Division III Tournament.

The Pioneers (12-4) controlled the game from the opening whistle, building a 5-0 lead after the first quarter before adding seven goals in the second to take a 12-0 advantage into halftime. Transylvania continued its offensive pace in the second half, outscoring Hanover 11-0 over the final two quarters.

Transylvania outshot Hanover 64-19 and held a 42-8 advantage in shots on goal. The Pioneers also dominated possession, winning 20 faceoffs and finishing a perfect 28-for-28 on clear attempts.

Andrew Welch led the offensive effort with five goals and six assists for an 11-point performance. Charlie Horner added five goals and three assists, while Huck Campbell finished with three goals and two assists.

Aven Blair and Samuel Archer each scored two goals, while Josh Harney and Jack Miller also added two apiece as Transylvania totaled 23 goals from nine different scorers.

Defensively, the Pioneers held Hanover scoreless, limiting the Panthers to eight shots on goal. Three Transylvania goalkeepers combined for the shutout.

The Pioneers will await their destination and seeding until next weekend's selection show. Stay tuned to TransySports.com for NCAA Division III Tournament updates. 

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