Memphis - After Rhodes field hockey secured the first goal of the 2017 Southern Athletic Association Championship game in the fifth minute, Centre College's offense exploded to win the game 4-1. It's the Colonels' first Tournament Championship victory since 2014.

Rhodes scored their lone goal on the very first scoring opportunity of the game. Lauren Travis dribbled the ball near the endline and her shot nicked Centre keeper  Kristen Mulcahy, redirecting the ball toward the far side of the cage where Lizzie Wood was waiting. With the flick of the wrist, Wood buried the shot just a foot in front of the goal line to get the Lynx on the scoreboard just 4:28 into the game. 

After a Centre timeout, the Colonels were on a fast break in the 13th minute when Lynx goalkeeper Laura Eckelkamp eliminated the offensive threat sent in from outside the circle by coming out of the cage and redirecting the ball back to her defense.

Sarah Biggs tied the game on her third goal of the tournament at the end of the 24th minute to give the Colonels life. The No. 2-seeded visitors then took the lead just two and a half minutes later to end scoring for the half. 

Rhodes had a chance to tie the game on a penalty stroke just a minute and a half after halftime, but Mulcahy guessed correctly and started moving to her right as Maddie Smith drew the ball back on the shot. 

Travis earned a five-minute yellow card, which led to the Colonels taking a 3-1 lead after head coach Jenelle Anthony made substitution after substitution while the Lynx were down a player. The first shot was saved by Eckelkamp on a lateral diving move but Erika Bell lifted the rebound up and over Eckelkamp for the goal. Centre then scored their final goal as the 68th minute began. 

In the game, Rhodes held a 21-18 shot advantage and 10-6 penalty corner advantage. Mulcahy saved nine shots for Centre and Eckelkamp eight for Rhodes. 

Rhodes fell to 12-5 on the season while Centre improved to 15-4.

At end of the game, Daryl Perry, Smith and Wood were named to the All-Tournament team.