VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Pfeiffer University's Quinn Branca scored three times and dominated the draw circle, but the Falcons fell 13–4 to Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday after a decisive second-half surge by the Marlins.

Branca accounted for three of the four Pfeiffer goals, including a first-quarter player-up strike and a natural hat trick in the second period. She finished with 10 ground balls, seven draw controls, and four caused turnovers, providing the bulk of Pfeiffer's possession and scoring spark.

Keiri Velasquez added a goal of her own in the second quarter, briefly pulling the Falcons within 3–2 before Virginia Wesleyan responded with a four-goal run.

Pfeiffer (5-1) stayed within reach early, trailing just 6–4 late in the second period, but Virginia Wesleyan took control with a 7–0 run across the third and fourth quarters. The Marlins' Reese

Morgenthaler powered the surge with four goals, while Kenna Duplechin contributed three goals and three assists.

Goalkeeper Clara Smith made nine saves for the Falcons, including four in the third quarter, helping Pfeiffer weather an extended stretch of defensive pressure before the Marlins ultimately stretched the margin.

The Falcons generated 20 shots and earned 11 draw controls, but 15 turnovers and Virginia Wesleyan's 13 ground-ball advantage helped tilt possession in the Marlins' favor.

Pfeiffer will return to Lefko-Mills Field on Wednesday, March 4 for a 7:00 p.m. matchup with Warren Wilson.