TIFFIN, OH - The Malone University Men's Lacrosse team continued their road trip as they visited the Tiffin University Dragons for a Great Midwest Athletic Conference match up. The Pioneers struggled to create any separation in the first half, but a back and forth second half ultimately favored Malone who came out on top with a 9-8 victory. The Pioneers moved to 3-4 (2-1 in GMAC play), while the Dragons fell to 1-4 (0-2 GMAC). 

Tiffin opened up the scoring by taking a lead less than one minute into the contest in what was a very slow first quarter. Defense led the way for each team as both goalies collected six saves in the first fifteen. The Dragons forced four turnovers while the Pioneers forced seven. Talon Heath took a feed from Jacob Curtis to score the only other goal of the quarter, leaving the teams knotted up at one a piece. 

The second quarter was more offense oriented as Heath quickly scored his second of the match. The Dragons followed with a pair of their own to retake the lead, but Zac Smargiasso tied things up at 3-3. Just seconds after Smargiasso's strike, Luke Ory split the defense and took a helping hand from Ramsey Burnard to give Malone a 4-3 lead heading into the half. 

Malone made key adjustments at half time and dominated the third quarter. Smargiasso scored his second and he was yet again followed by Ory who put the Pioneers up 6-3. Burnard joined in on the fun with his first goal to add to the barrage. The Pioneers were not done yet as William Fink contributed one more to the good guys lead. Tiffin managed a goal of their own to cut their deficit to four heading into the final quarter.

The script flipped in the fourth quarter as the Dragons clawed back into things. Three successive goals cut the Pioneers lead to one. Fortunately, John Mautz III decided it was the opportune time to rifle home his first goal and double Malone's lead. The insurance goal was certainly needed as the Dragons managed one final goal before the clock reach zero and the Pioneers emerged victorious, 9-8. 

Smargiasso, Ory, and Burnard all managed four points for Malone. Darek Smith collected five ground balls while Wayne Keating forced a trio of Dragon turnovers. Nick Sanderson continued his strong play between the pipes as he recorded sixteen saves along with the W. 

The Pioneers will be back at home on Tuesday, March 18th at 5:00 P.M. as they take on the Thomas More University Saints in another Great Midwest Athletic Conference match up.