ATLANTA - The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels began the 2026 season with a disheartening 12-8 loss to the Transylvania Pioneers Friday night at home.

Ellis Mitchum scored four goals and won three draw controls. Mariah Butler scored three goals and had four ground balls and two caused turnovers. Freshman goalkeeper Madelyn Gardner made 16 saves. Savannah Freeman also won three draw controls.

The Pioneers made the first goal, but Butler was quick with a reply thanks to an assist from Sarah Liang. Transylvania scored once more in the first quarter, but so did Butler, and then Mitchum.

Oglethorpe's 3-2 lead did not last long, as the Pioneers were the first to score in the second quarter. Mitchum made sure the game tied 4-4, then again at 5-5. However, Transylvania scored three goals in a row that would give them an edge for the rest of the game. Mitchum and Butler each got another goal, then the Petels headed into halftime down 8-7.

Transylvania scored the only goal of the third quarter. Freeman was the first to score in the final period, but it would be Oglethorpe's last goal. The Pioneers managed three more goals, including one in the last 30 seconds, for a 12-8 final score.

Game Notes

• Freshmen Gardner and Adesewa Atiba plus sophomore Brenda Jimnah made their collegiate debuts.
• Jill Ursem made the first caused turnover of her career.
• Jersey Cuni made two assists.

Up Next

The Stormy Petrels will play at Piedmont on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 5 p.m. The next home game is Sunday, Feb. 22, at 12 p.m. against Meredith.