Box Score NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Pfeiffer 20, Piedmont 17
Records: Piedmont, 14-3; Pfeiffer, 11-6

MISENHEIMER, N.C. - On a rain-soaked afternoon in North Carolina, the Piedmont men's lacrosse team was unable to complete the comeback against Pfeiffer losing to the Falcons 20-17 in the USA South Tournament Championship. 

Piedmont fell behind 5-0 in the early going and despite taking a lead late, was unable to keep pace and hold on for the victory. 

Pfeiffer got out to a strong start with five goals in the first nine minutes of play before the Lions were able to get on the board. Zach Avila and Ian Parr scored before the quarter break making it 5-2 after the first. 

The Lions continued with momentum in the second quarter making it a two goal game after Michael Anderson scored a man-up goal, but the Falcons answered back with two of their own. Piedmont trailed 9-4 with 7:56 to go until halftime, but that marked a shift in momentum. 

Piedmont used six straight goals over the second and third periods to claim the lead 10-9 early in the third quarter. The Lions trailed 9-7 at the half but used three goals in the opening minutes of the third period to capitalize on momentum and took the lead on a Will Isley goal just inside the 10:00 mark. 

Pfeiffer reeled off four straight of their own in a third period that saw both teams score seven goals each, entering the final quarter with the Falcons leading 16-14. Piedmont was able to pull within one multiple times, but unable to complete the comeback. 

The Lions end the year at 14-3 overall with two of those three losses coming against Pfeiffer on the road. 

TURNING POINT:
--The Lions got off to a slow start falling behind 5-0 and it was tough to keep pace with the Falcons despite taking the lead in the second half. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Michael Anderson led Piedmont with four goals and five assists while Ian Parr also added four goals.
--Brady McGuire, the USA South Offensive Player of the Year, was limited to just one goal and two assists. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Pfeiffer won the battle on ground balls with 48 to Piedmont's 34 but it was a very close contest statistically in most major categories. 

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 X: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.