Nashville, Tenn. — Men's Lacrosse dropped a contest against Transylvania, falling 10-4 in Saturday's closing game of the Music City Classic. Despite the loss, goalkeeper
Ryan Littler made an impressive 28 saves on 64 shots, anchoring a determined defensive effort. Illinois Tech now holds a 0-2 record, while Transylvania improves to 2-1.
How It Happened
The game began with Transylvania seizing control from the start, winning the initial faceoff and setting the tone. Jack Miller opened the scoring at 12:53, putting the Pioneers ahead 1-0. Illinois Tech struggled with turnovers, which hampered their offensive rhythm. Andrew Welch doubled the Pioneers' lead with a goal at 7:03. Despite Littler's multiple saves, the Pioneers closed the first quarter with a two-goal cushion.
In the second quarter, Illinois Tech showed some offensive spark.
Will Von Eyser capitalized on a man-up opportunity at 14:17, assisted by
Connor Montgomery. However, the Pioneers quickly responded. Charlie Horner netted a goal at 9:20 after a turnover, and RJ Young scored at 1:15, assisted by Horner, with Huck Campbell adding another in a man-up scenario at 0:57. The half ended with the Pioneers outscoring the Scarlet Hawks 3-2 in the quarter.
Charlie Horner further extended the Pioneers' lead early in the third quarter with a goal at 13:48. Illinois Tech struggled to break through, as Montgomery's attempt hit the post at 2:44, and turnovers continued to be an issue. Littler made several crucial stops, including a key save against Welch at 1:46, yet the Pioneers concluded the quarter leading 6-2, as the Scarlet Hawks' clear attempt faltered in the closing seconds.
The fourth quarter saw Samuel Archer, assisted by Horner, score at 14:29 to widen the gap. Illinois Tech responded with Montgomery's goal at 12:17 and a strike from
Diego Sosa at 10:17. However, the Pioneers regained momentum, with Archer scoring again at 1:28 and Alex Vennari adding another at 1:16, sealing their victory. Despite Illinois Tech's efforts, the Scarlet Hawks couldn't close the gap further, and the game ended with a 10-4 loss.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Diego Sosa
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- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 3 shots on goal
Connor Montgomery
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- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 3 shots on goal
Ryan Littler
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- 28 saves
- 64 shots faced
Will Von Eyser
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- 1 goal
- 2 shots on goal
- 1 power-play goal
Canyon Kuchel
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- 6 faceoffs won
Transylvania Top Performers
Samuel Archer
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- 2 goals
- 11 shots
- 7 shots on goal
Nick DeGrandi
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- 7 saves
- Faced 20 shots
- 4 goals against
Charlie Horner
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- 2 goals
- 3 assists
- 11 shots
Game Notes:
- The Scarlet Hawks are now 0-2 lifetime against the Pioneers.
Up Next
Illinois Tech returns to Chicago to host Calvin University in their home opener at Stuart Field. The game is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
