NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 24, Pfeiffer 6
Records: Piedmont, 10-8 (7-2 USA South); Pfeiffer, 8-10 (4-5)

DEMOREST, Ga. - The No. 3 Piedmont women's lacrosse team defeated No. 6 Pfeiffer in the opening round of the USA South Tournament late Tuesday afternoon by a score of 24-6.

The Lions scored the first five goals of the contest with four different goal scorers getting involved on the offensive end before the Falcons found their first. Closing the first period with the final two goals, the Pfeiffer offense pulled the game back within reach by also scoring the first two goals of the second period.

Needing to break the 4-0 run from the Falcons, Maggi Spratlin scored her second goal of the contest to take the momentum away from the visitors. From there, the Piedmont offense went on a tear, going on a 7-0 run to close out the half. Ava Trankina completed her hat trick midway through the period and led the team in scoring at halftime with four goals. 

Leading 12-4 coming out of the break, the Lions offense continued to be unstoppable, scoring seven more goals in the third period.

In the final moments of the game, senior Lindley Ward put the final exclamation point on a resounding 24-6 win, scoring the 100th goal of her career.
 

Big USA South first round victory for the Lions and Lindley Ward scored her 100th career goal! pic.twitter.com/MVHgEu5Goe

— Piedmont Women's Lacrosse (@PiedmontWLAX) April 30, 2024

Up next, Piedmont travels to No. 1 Methodist for the semifinal round of the USA South Tournament on Thursday, May 2.

TURNING POINT:
--Piedmont went on a 7-0 run in the second period to push the lead to eight headed into the break.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Lindley Ward scored 4 goals, including the 100th goal of her career.
--Ava Trankina scored 4 goals while adding 3 assists. She also caused one turnover, collected 2 ground balls and secured 10 draw controls.
--Aly Reece led the team with 4 assists while scoring 4 goals.
--Laura Crone had a hat trick with 2 assists in the game.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Nine different Lions scored in the game.
--Piedmont out shot the Falcons 41-15.
--The Lions dominated the draw control 24-7.

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