ATLANTA, GA — Transylvania opened its 2026 season with a strong road performance on Thursday, defeating Oglethorpe 12–8 behind a dominant second and fourth quarter at the Oglethorpe Lacrosse Complex.

The Pioneers were led by Layla Hobbs-Powell, who scored a game-high four goals, including three in a decisive second-quarter stretch. Sofie Garrett and Kaelin Truman each added three goals, while Avery Kirkhope and Lily Craft rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece. Craft also tallied two assists, with Ellie Falk and Lily Bratcher adding one each. After trailing 3–2 at the end of the first quarter, Transylvania surged ahead by outscoring Oglethorpe 6–4 in the second period to take an 8–7 lead into halftime. Hobbs-Powell fueled the run with multiple unassisted goals, while Truman and Craft added key finishes to create separation.

The Pioneers' defense and goalkeeping took control in the second half. Transylvania held Oglethorpe scoreless in the third quarter and limited the Stormy Petrels to just one goal in the fourth. Goalkeeper Ruby Himes was excellent in her season debut, recording 10 saves on 18 shots on goal. Avery Kirkhope extended the lead early in the fourth with a finish off a feed from Craft, and Truman added a man-up goal to make it 11–8. Garrett sealed the win with her third goal in the closing seconds as Transylvania closed the game on a 3–0 run.

Transylvania finished with a 33–28 advantage in total shots and a 24–17 edge in shots on goal. The Pioneers also won the draw control battle 15–8 and collected 22 ground balls to Oglethorpe's 18. With the victory, Transylvania opens the season 1–0.

Transylvania returns to action on Sunday, February 8th, as the Pioneers travel to face Berry College. Opening draw is set for 12:00 p.m in Mount Berry, GA. 

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.