Box Score Jeremy Zalacca - Director of Athletic Communications
MISENHEIMER, N.C. - The No. 17 Pfeiffer men's lacrosse team (5-3) was overpowered by No. 9 Lake Erie (4-2) by a final score of 13-4 on Saturday afternoon. The loss was Pfeiffer's second straight and third in their last four games.
The offenses took a while to kick in but Matt Michaeli broke the scoreless tie 10:13 into the contest. The Pfeiffer defense continued to stifle Lake Erie's attack before the Storm finally found the back of the net with just 32 seconds left in the opening quarter. However, Lake Erie would score two more times in the quarter with the final strike coming with just two seconds remaining to take a 3-1 advantage.
The Storm kept the momentum as they scored 23 seconds into the second quarter giving them four goals in 55 seconds of game action. Derek Thomas stopped the run with his 13th goal of the year off an assist from Kyle Enkelmann. However, Lake Erie finished the half by scoring four goals in 1:43 to go into the break with an 8-2 advantage.
In total, the Storm would score nine straight goals to take a 13-2 advantage. Pfeiffer broke loose for two goals in the final 6:05. The Falcons were kept off the scoreboard for 36:45 from the second quarter until Michael's second tally of the game. Ben Austin would add Pfeiffer's final goal on the day.
Michaeli and Thomas each finished with four ground balls and Michaeli caused three turnovers. The Storm held Cole Sheen to zero goals and three shots as the senior entered the game tied for the conference lead in goals scored.
Mike Moorehead made 15 saves but fell to 5-3 on the season.
The Falcons turned the ball over 22 times in the game and were outshot 44-17. Lake Erie wont 14-of-21 face offs and held a 39-20 advantage in ground balls.
Pfeiffer was 1-for-6 on the man advantage and Lake Erie converted on 3-of-8 man up opportunities.
The Falcons look to get back on the winning side as they return to Conference Carolinas action on Wednesday night as they host Mount Olive at 7 p.m.
