Memphis - A slow start turned into an exciting second half for Rhodes College men's lacrosse as the Lynx, who trailed 7-5 at halftime, held Sewanee scoreless in the final two quarters to win their third straight regular season conference title (12-7). Rhodes will now host the 2019 Southern Athletic Association semifinals and championship game April 26-28. 

Sewanee held a one-goal advantage in each of the first two quarters on a 22-17 shot advantage. The Lynx returned the favor in the second half with a 28-15 shot advantage, shutting out the Tigers while netting seven goals. 

Trailing 7-4, Rhodes secured eight straight goals before time expired to win the regular season title. The first two goals of the second half, scored by Karl Van Blargan and Matt Perez, were quick sticks set up by Christian Cisneros. Van Blargan then scored the next two consecutive goals including the game-winner. Ryan Marasco set the freshman up to give Rhodes a 9-7 lead as time expired to end the third quarter. Cisneros, who had three assists already, scored a hat trick to end the game.

The Lynx went 21-24 in clears and held a 45-37 shot advantage despite Sewanee winning 14 of 21 faceoffs. Tyler Milwit, who scored his 100th career goal on Friday, recorded two goals and one assist against the Tigers. Van Blargan led the game with four goals and tied Austin Le for the Lynx-high five ground balls. Cisneros totaled six points with his three goals and three assists. He is currently the single season assist leader for the Lynx with 35 assists, breaking Ryan Fennelly's record of 26 on April 6 against Southwestern. 

Rhodes has earned a bye for the first round of SAA tournament action this weekend, as does the No. 2 seed, Centre College. Centre, Sewanee and Berry all tied for second in the standings going 5-1 in conference play. Each team went 1-1 against the other two, pushing the tiebreaker to the fewest goals allowed in conference play among the tied teams, which was Centre. Since Berry then beat Sewanee in overtime, Berry is seeded third and Sewanee fourth. Rhodes will take on the winner of Sewanee vs. No. 5 Birmingham-Southern on April 26.