Tyler Waddell - Sports Information Graduate Assistant

MISENHEIMER, NC — The Pfeiffer University women's lacrosse team fell victim to a 15-minute second-half scoring drought on Wednesday afternoon en route to a 12-7 loss against Lenoir-Rhyne at NE Lefko Field. Sophomore Ally Unkenholz (Ellicott City, MD / Mt. Hebron HS) led the Falcons with three goals and two ground balls while junior Mollie O'Friel (Chesapeake Beach, MD / Huntingtown HS) scored twice and added an assist.

With the loss, Pfeiffer drops to 4-2 (2-0 CC) on the season. The Bears improved to 3-2.

It was a back-and-forth effort by both teams through the first 20 minutes of action before Lenoir-Rhyne was able to pull away with some breathing room by scoring three times without answer to end the first half leading 6-3.

Two quick goals by Unkenholz and freshman Meagan Bourque (Seabrook. TX / Clear Falls) would cut the deficit to one with 26:10 remaining in the second half, but the Bears were able to respond and take control by adding three consecutive goals to make it 9-5 in their favor. O'Friel then added her two goals in back-to-back fashion (both from free position), reducing the shortage back to two at 9-7.

However, Lenoir-Rhyne would go on to score three more times, holding the Falcons without another goal for the remaining 15:07. The Bears were led by Torrey Schwitkis and Brooke Ouderkirk, who each finished with a hat trick.

Pfeiffer held the advantage in ground balls 15-12 limited Lenoir-Rhyne to just 3-of-7 in free position shot opportunities, but lost 13-8 in draw controls and allowed the Bears to go 10-for-10 in clears.

The Falcons will remain in Misenheimer to host Converse this Saturday, March 11 at noon.