CANTON, OH - The Malone University Men's Lacrosse team returned home to welcome the Thomas More University Saints. A game defined by a series of offensive runs ultimately favored the Pioneers who won 17-14. Malone improves to 4-4 on the season and 3-1 in GMAC play, while the Saints dropped to 2-5, 1-3 in conference. 

Thomas More took an early advantage with a pair of quick goals before Luke Ory scored to get the Pioneers on the board. Following an additional Saint tally, Ramsey Burnard split the defense and skipped a goal past the opposing keeper. Darek Smith followed suit to tie the game at three a piece to end the first quarter. 

The Saints opened the second quarter with three consecutive ringers to double up Malone, 6-3. Smith found his stride for the Pioneers as he tallied a pair to cut the deficit to one. Talon Heath scored his first of the day and knotted things up at six. Looking to take their first advantage of game, Zac Smargiasso got crafty and pranced around numerous Saint defenders to put Malone ahead. Heath fired home his second and John Mautz III rifled one in just before the half to give the Pioneers a 9-6 lead.

To open the second half, Thomas More followed their trend of early period scoring as they quickly cut the lead to one. Heath and Ory piled back onto the lead just moments later. Smargiasso continued his dominant afternoon with two more in the waning minutes of the quarter. The Saints found the netting with just seconds to go to leave things at 13-9 in favor of Malone. 

Thomas More yet again dominated the early parts of the fourth quarter with a trio of strikes to cut their deficit to one yet again. Ory and Smith provided the Pioneers with breathing room before the Saints answered back. Mautz III and Smith rounded out the Pioneers afternoon by ripping twine once more and giving Malone a 17-14 victory. 

Smith led Malone with seven points while Smargiasso finished with five. Ory, Heath, and Mautz III each had four. William Fink anchored the defense with a pair of caused turnovers. Nick Sanderson continued his effective goalie play as he tallied twenty saves and the W. 

The Pioneers continue their home stand on Saturday, March 22nd at 3:00 P.M. when they welcome the Northwood University Timberwolves.