What? That's not sportswomanlike, not in the least! Before he can react, the attack hits: while Pygmalion's strong enough against a purely physical blow, with all the factors boosting it, that still hurts.
Even's thrown off his game, for the moment. Annoyed at her stunt, he neglects his own Persona's attacks, and falls back on what he's used to - a straightforward swing with his shield.