Above: Josh Kaufling celebrates a big win for the Lions SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo men’s lacrosse team took down nationally-ranked No. 11 Pfeiffer University in a thriller on Saturday afternoon, taking the game, 9-8. After taking an 8-6 lead into the final quarter, the Lions were able to hold off a pesky Pfeiffer offense that added two goals to the Lions one. But the Saint Leo defense forced the charging Falcons into a turnover with 44 seconds left to play, successfully making the clear attempt to seal the game. The Lions saw senior Dylan Yonts lead the offensive charge with five goals and two assists, netting a goal in every quarter. Senior keeper Dave Moore recorded his 400th career save. The Basics Final Score: Saint Leo 9 | Pfeiffer 8 Location: University Turf Stadium | Saint Leo, Fla. Records: Saint Leo 3-1 | Pfeiffer 4-1 How It Happened 1Q | Pfeiffer opened the game with a goal from Kyle Enkelmann, but the Lions responded with back-to-back goals from Yonts and fellow senior Matt Weller. The Falcons evened the score with a Kyle Pauwels goal, and from there fans knew they were in for an exciting game. Chad Marino netted on to give the Lions a 3-2 advantage heading into the second. | Saint Leo 3-2 | 2Q | The Lions came out dominate in the second period, scoring three-straight goals. Jake Gilmour netted a man-up goal after Pfeiffer was called for an illegal body check. Yonts followed with his second of the game, another man-up goal for the Lions, with 3:47 left in the half. Yonts continued to feel the offensive rhythm, netting his third just one minute later, again man-up. The Falcons were able to get themselves on the board in the second with just 35 seconds remaining in the period, as Cole Sheen netted the man-up goal. | Saint Leo 6-3 | 3Q | Pfeiffer looked to get their offensive stride back in the second half as Sheen picked up where he left off, netting the second half’s opening goal. Derek Thomas added another for the Falcons, bringing the game with in one score. Saint Leo was able to keep the Falcons at bay as Josh Kaufling added his second goal of the season. Pfeiffer’s Blade Garlow bodied his way through the Lions defense and again brought the game with in one. However, with six seconds left, Yonts’ fourth goal of the game gave the Lions a cushion heading into the final period. | Saint Leo 8-6 | 4Q | Back-and-forth the two teams went in the final and deciding period. Garlow netted another to give the game a 8-7 score, but again Yonts netted what would be the game-winner to give a two-goal gap in the Lions favor. Pfeiffer’s Pauwels netted the Falcons eighth goal with 5:56 left to play, and it was down to the Lions defense to defend as Saint Leo took six empty shots, unable to find the back of the net. The Lions were able to hold off the Falcons, forcing four turnovers and snagging PU’s failed clear attempt. | Saint Leo 9-8 | Points to Note Yonts finds himself in sole possession of fourth-place all time in career goals scored with 85. He is also in sole possession of fifth-place all time in career points. Eric Lee again led the Lions in caused turnover with two, and he picked up two ground balls. Keeper Dave Moore recorded seven saves giving him his 400th career save. Up Next Saint Leo continues its home-stand hosting Coker at 7PM on Tuesday, March 8.