Box Score LEXINGTON, Ky. â€" The Transylvania University men's lacrosse team fell, 13-4, to Wittenberg University, in its home opener on Saturday.

The Pioneers (0-2) held their own against a well-respected club in Wittenberg, but three straight goals in the opening minutes of both halves proved too much for the Pioneers to overcome.

"Wittenberg is a traditionally powerful team," Head Coach Terry Justice said. "I felt our guys hung tough with a very talented team and good things will happen for our group of young men."

Wittenberg tallied 39 shots compared to 29 for the Pioneers. Transylvania recorded 31 ground balls to 26 for the Tigers.

Justice said there are positives to take from the loss for his young team, as his team played without four of its starters.

"Going into the game without Alex Wesielman, Clay Douthat, Sam Browning and Arie Slone allowed for some guys to get some great experience as we build this program," Justice said.

The Pioneers found themselves trailing early as Wittenberg led, 3-0, less than three minutes into the game, as the Tigers scored quickly after winning consecutive face-offs to open the game.

Transylvania answered with a goal by freshman Cooper Sohm with 1:29 left in the first quarter of play followed by a clutch save by sophomore goalie Joshua Slone to keep the score, 3-1, at the end of the first. Slone recorded six saves in 42 minutes of play Saturday.

After somewhat of a slow start to open the second quarter, the teams combined for three goals in the final five minutes before halftime. Wittenberg capitalized off a man-up opportunity following a pushing penalty against Transylvania. Senior Jack Bornhofen scored with 5:06 left before the break, giving the Tigers a 4-1 advantage.

The Pioneers quickly countered with a man-up goal of their own. Freshmen Clark Watts and Zack Riggs paired for a goal with 3:19 on the clock, pulling the Pioneers within two, 4-2.

Wittenberg won the following face-off and scored with 1:51 to play, compliments of a goal from sophomore Thomas Fuss and held a 5-2 lead at the break. The Tigers scored three straight goals to open the second half, before Sohm found the net for the second time in the game with 7:04 left in the third quarter.

Sophomore Ben Erwin scored the last goal of the day for the Pioneers with 1:19 left in the third.

The Pioneers were held scoreless in the final quarter, despite tallying nine shots. "We go back to work Monday and will prepare for the next outing," Justice said. "Tyler Johnson, Andrew Meyer and Cooper Sohm are playing good position and team ball. They are freshman going against stronger, more developed players."

The Pioneers host Bridgewater College Saturday for the second home game of season. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m.