NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 15, Pfeiffer 13
Records: Piedmont, 9-4 (5-0 USA South); Pfeiffer, 12-1 (4-1 USA South)

DEMOREST, Ga. - The Piedmont men's lacrosse team used a big fourth quarter to overtake Pfeiffer 15-13 in an instant classic on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Demorest.

Although the Lions trailed by a goal going into the fourth quarter, they were able to battle back with a massive 5-0 scoring run overlapping the end of the third and beginning of the fourth quarter to take the win.

Junior goalie JOHNNY MATRONA continued his outstanding play against the Falcons, matching his career high with 16 saves, including four in the final quarter to help hold off the Falcons.


 

HUGE game from our goalie JOHNNY MATRONA!

Matches his career-high with 16 saves. ?? pic.twitter.com/PnbNK1TizG

— Piedmont Lacrosse (@PiedmontLax) April 15, 2023

The offensive attack was balanced, as eight different Lions netted goals while five scored at least twice, led by three each from freshman ISAAC HARRINGTON and senior MICHAEL ANDERSON. On the defensive end, ANDREW PAGANO caused havoc as usual, recording a team-high four caused turnovers while faceoff specialist CHRIS PANNENBACKER held his own, recording 12 for the contest.

Pfeiffer blitzed Piedmont out of the gate, racing out to a quick 3-0 lead. However, the Lions quickly settled in, as Harrington opened the scoring with 7:54 left in the opening quarter.

Although the Falcons entered the second quarter with a 4-2 lead, it was quickly erased as the Lions found goals from JADON MORINI and JOSH FRALEY. BRADY MCGUIRE's first goal of the game gave Piedmont its first lead of the day with 7:48 remaining in the first half. From there, the teams traded goals as the Falcons took advantage of a penalty to score man up and take a 9-8 lead into the break.

Pfeiffer was able to add two more man-up goals out of halftime to lead 11-9. Once again, it was Harrington to answer when Piedmont needed it most, completing the hat trick to cut the deficit to 11-10.

Harrington's goal sparked the biggest scoring run of the contest, with CONNOR ROGERS and Anderson trading goals as Piedmont flipped the momentum and the game to lead 14-11 with 6:34 left.

While Pfeiffer was able to chip away and make it a one-goal game at 14-13 with 2:33 left, the Lions put the game on ice as McGuire tallied his second and final goal of the game with 50 seconds left.

The win vaults Piedmont to the top of the USA South standings as the lone undefeated team left in the league.


 

INSTANT. CLASSIC.

Still undefeated in the @usa_south ???? pic.twitter.com/qSM4dT8BIl

— Piedmont Lacrosse (@PiedmontLax) April 15, 2023

Up next, the Lions will take to the road, battling LaGrange this Wednesday, April 19 at 6 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Trailing 11-9 in the third quarter, ISAAC HARRINGTON's third goal of the game sparked a 5-0 Piedmont run to flip the game to the Lions.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- JOHNNY MATRONA matched his career high with 16 saves for the Lions.
- Harrington and MICHAEL ANDERSON tied for the team lead with three goals each.
- BRADY MCGUIRE added a pair of goals including the game-clincher while also dishing out three assists.
- Pagano led all players in the game with four caused turnovers.

NEWS AND NOTES:
- This marks the second straight regular season win for the Lions over the Falcons.
- In last season's regular season home win over the Falcons, Matrona was also outstanding, making 14 saves.
- Matrona has recorded 46 total saves over his last three games against Pfeiffer.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.