MISENHEIMER, N.C. (May 6, 2026) — Pfeiffer opened NCAA Division III Tournament play with a commanding 15-8 men's lacrosse victory over Transylvania University on Wednesday afternoon in front of a huge crowd at Lefko-Mills Field.
Playing the first NCAA home game in program history, the Falcons (16-2) set the tone early, scoring five first-quarter goals and never trailing en route to advancing to the second round.
Pfeiffer jumped in front just over five minutes into the game on a goal from
David Foxwell and quickly built a 5-0 lead with a balanced offensive surge that included scores from
Will Rivera,
Ethan Miles,
Dylan Sullivan and
Trent Orr. Transylvania (12-5) broke through late in the opening quarter on Patrick Slagle's goal, but still trailed 5-1 after one.
The Pioneers mounted their best push in the second quarter, scoring five times to trim the deficit to 8-6 by halftime. Andrew Welch scored twice during the spurt, while Huck Campbell added a goal and assist to help Transylvania claw back into contention.
Pfeiffer responded decisively after the break. The Falcons outscored Transylvania 5-1 in the third quarter, using a run of three straight goals — from
Bashwyn Fitch, Orr and Rivera — to regain control of the game.
Orr finished with a team-high three goals, while Fitch, Miles, Sullivan and
Tiger Hopkins each scored twice to pace Pfeiffer's attack. Hopkins also added two assists, and Rivera contributed two goals and an assist.
Campbell led Transylvania with five points on two goals and three assists, while Welch added two goals and Slagle scored twice. Pfeiffer controlled possession throughout, holding a 58-33 advantage in shots and winning the faceoff battle 14-12. The Falcons also scooped up 48 ground balls compared to 32 for Transylvania.
Goalkeeper
Korbin Hamilton made 17 saves for Pfeiffer, helping the Falcons maintain their lead despite Transylvania's second-quarter surge.
Pfeiffer led 13-7 entering the fourth quarter and closed out the game with two late goals to seal the seven-goal victory.
With the win, Pfeiffer advances to second round play on Saturday, May 9 and will travel to Newport News, Va. to take on Christopher Newport University. Faceoff is scheduled for Noon at CNU's Jenings Family Stadium.
