MARS HILL, N.C. – In a non-conference road game, the Malone men's lacrosse team was defeated by Mars Hill University on Saturday afternoon. The final score was 20-8. The Pioneers are now 1-2 on the 2025 season while the Lions advance to 3-2.
 
Mars Hill took a 4-1 advantage in the first quarter with the lone Malone goal scored by Ramsey Burnard. Talon Heath would find Burnard again just before the end of the period, but through 15 minutes, it was 5-2 in favor of the Lions.
 
The Mars Hill lead grew to 11-4 at halftime. Heath netted the two goals in that frame for the Pioneers. Darek Smith found Heath on the second goal with just 15 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
 
Malone was outscored 3-1 in the third quarter and 6-3 in the fourth to get to the 20-8 final score. Zac Smargiasso was the only newcomer to the scoring column in the second half. The duo of Heath (4) and Burnard (3) accounted for seven of the team's eight goals and Smith four of five assists.
 
22 of the team's 31 shots were on goal for the Pioneers to credit quality defense played by the Lions. In goal, Malone had ten saves, four by Trent Urquhart (0-1) and six by Alex Lavalle.
 
Up next, the Pioneers take on Frostburg State University on March 4. That road game begins at 4:00 P.M.