LAGRANGE, Ga. - The LaGrange College Men's Lacrosse Team (0-2) is set for their first major test of the 2025 campaign on Saturday (Mar. 8), hitting the road to Misenheimer, NC to face off with the Falcons of Pfeiffer University (2-2) in the two schools' first USA South game of the season.

The Matchup
The Panthers are coming off a two-week hiatus after a close 13-10 loss at home to Centenary College on Feb. 21. The time off has given the Red and Black a much-needed opportunity to get back to the drawing board and return to full strength after missing a few key players to start the year. 

"This will be a challenging opponent for sure but I am confident in [our] ability to fight back and win this game," stated junior goaltender Jonah Polhemus. "We are focusing on the little things that matter and hammering fundamentals in practice, as well as scouting for the upcoming game at Pfeiffer."

Polhemus, a transfer from the now-defunct Birmingham Southern College, leads the team with 26 saves in two games this season. When asked about a challenge early on in his career that left a great impact on his collegiate lacrosse journey, he noted that "the first game that really put me into the reality of college lacrosse was my freshman year at Centre - a top ranked opponent that had been receiving votes coming into the game." His team would go on to top the Colonels 16-14 in come-from-behind fashion on that fateful day, cementing a critical moment in the young goalie's career where he realized that "[they] were legit."

Now a member of the LC Lacrosse program, Polhemus has his focus set on leading his young group of Panthers against another top opponent in a heavily favored Pfeiffer University, the USA South's preseason favorite to win the conference. "The advice I would give to the freshman is do your job, don't be a hero but be confident in your ability to do your job to the best of your ability," he said. "Just remember that lacrosse is a great game and is fun and don't think anything more than that."

No doubt, he and his team will head into this matchup with a fearless mindset, fully intending to seize the opportunity to battle the Falcons for a season-defining win. Whatever result awaits LaGrange on the other side of Saturday's contest, their sights will remain deadlocked on playing for a conference title come late April.

Players to Watch
Tristan Cuda will be the main face off man for LC, as they look to build their offensive attack around the East Paulding High School product. He leads the team with six goals off 13 shots on goal and a solid .662 faceoff percentage.

Pfeiffer will look to one of their top scorers as well in Andrew Brown. The Metairie, Louisiana native is one of the team leaders in points with 15, netting 10 goals and five assists so far this season.

Where to Watch
Faceoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Pfeiffer University's Lefko-Mills Field. For links to stream the game and live stats, click here.