Lexington, Ky. – The Transylvania women's lacrosse team was held in check by the Otterbein University Cardinals, 17-4 on Sunday afternoon at Pat Deacon Stadium.

The Pioneers emerged on the scoreboard first to begin the afternoon, but the Cardinals responded in kind with four unanswered goals to close out the opening quarter to set the tone for its first victory of the season. Otterbein improved to 1-0 on the year while Transylvania dropped to 0-2 overall.

Linley Dawson ignited the afternoon with a strike coming nearly midway through the opening quarter to hand the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage. The Cardinals answered back on the following possession with their first goal to knot up the afternoon at 1-1 apiece. The equalizer kicked off a scoring run for the Cardinals which continued into the second quarter.

Mandi Rider stemmed the tide with a goal at the 4:43 mark of the second quarter to trim the deficit to 7-2 for the Pioneers.

Otterbein continued its high scoring ways in the third quarter as the Pioneers mustered several quality looks on goal but were unable to find the finishing touch.

Diana Bruder provided the scoring load for the Pioneers in the second half with back to back goals late but Otterbein's budding advantage held firm.

The Cardinals made the most of their offensive opportunities, outgaining the Pioneers on shots, 29 to 26.

Madie Denman led the way with six ground balls while Abi Waldron finished the afternoon with five saves.

The Pioneers will take to the road for their next game versus the Wittenberg University Tigers on Saturday, February 19. The nonconference matchup is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. from Edwards-Maurer Field in Springfield, Ohio.

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