BUENA VISTA, VA. (April 25, 2026) - Southern Virginia pulled away late to defeat Pfeiffer 12-7 on Saturday morning in the USA South women's lacrosse tournament at Knights Stadium
The Falcons (11-6) matched Southern Virginia for much of the contest and were tied as late as the midway point of the third quarter, but the Knights closed the game on a decisive run to advance, scoring five of the final six goals.
Pfeiffer briefly erased an early deficit when
Quinn Branca scored twice in the opening half, including the game-tying goal with 4:50 left in the first quarter. Southern Virginia answered immediately with a man-up goal and carried a 3–1 lead after 15 minutes.
The teams traded goals throughout the second quarter, with goals from
Analise Robinson, Branca and
Keiri Velasquez keeping Pfeiffer within striking distance. Southern Virginia took a 5–4 lead into halftime.
The Falcons opened the third quarter strong, tying the game twice.
Cerys Reid converted a man-up opportunity at 13:37, and Robinson and
Heather Gallimore added goals as Pfeiffer briefly took a 7–6 advantage with 5:34 to play in the period.
Southern Virginia responded with a late surge in the third, scoring three goals in the final 4:14 to retake control at 9–7 entering the fourth quarter. The Knights then put the game away with three more goals in the final period, holding Pfeiffer scoreless over the final 15 minutes.
Robinson and Branca led Pfeiffer with two goals apiece, while Velasquez, Reid and Gallimore accounted for the remaining scores.
Skyla Jo Charette registered two assists for the Falcons.
Clara Smith made 10 saves in goal for Pfeiffer, facing 37 shots, as the Falcons were outshot 37–21. Pfeiffer converted two man-up opportunities but struggled with possession late, committing 29 turnovers.
Southern Virginia was led by May Webb, who scored four goals, and Ellie Patterson, who finished with two goals and a game-high eight ground balls. Savanna Burnett earned the win in goal with four saves.
The loss ends Pfeiffer's run in the USA South Tournament, while Southern Virginia advances to take on top-seeded Meredith College on Thursday, April 30 at 3:00 p.m.
The Falcons complete the season at 11-6 overall and is the most wins since the 2019 season with Pfeiffer finished 10-2.
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