MEMPHIS - In a game that can typically decide home field advantage at the Southern Athletic Association Championship in November, the Rhodes College field hockey team got a goal from senior Mackenzie Busby with under four minutes to play to defeat the Centre Colonels, 4-3, on Saturday afternoon at Mason Field.

The Lynx move to 4-1 on the season and 1-0 in SAA play while Centre falls to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in SAA play. The two rivals have met in all SAA Championship games since 2012.

It was a tale of two halves for Rhodes as they were out shot 4-2 in the first half while Centre held a 6-2 advantage in penalty corners. However, Rhodes responded in the second half with a 6-2 advantage in shots and a 9-2 lead in penalty corners.

In a game that always brings out fierce competition, the Lynx were able to strike first as senior Christina DiFelice score midway through the first half. For DiFelice, she ties the career record for goals scored at 42. Rhodes took that 1-0 lead into the break.

However, the visitors had an answer midway though the second half as Megan Flocken evened the score.

As both teams looked to find answer, the Rhodes defense, led by likes of junior Morgan Woodrow, sophomore Abby Rockefeller, and freshmen Daryl Perry and Lydia Slyter put together a masterful defensive effort especially in the last 15 minutes, holding Centre to only two shots in the entire half.

With under four to go, Busby put the Lynx ahead for good with a huge goal. Centre earned a penalty corner right before time expired in the half, but the Rhodes defense stood tall to keep the Colonels out and earn a huge SAA win.

Senior Erin Best had an assist in the contest while the Lynx got terrific all-around performances from sophomore Jillian Christensen, Busby, and Rockefeller. Senior Kennedy Brislin had two shots to lead the offensive attack.

Junior Laura Eckelkamp earned the win in goal, finishing with three saves in the contest as her and the defense played an an outstanding 70 minutes.

Rhodes will look to build off the momentum of this huge win as they welcome in Transylvania tomorrow afternoon at 12 PM from Mason Field.