Danville, Ky. - It was a whirlwind of a weekend for Rhodes College women's soccer, who were crowned Southern Athletic Association Tournament Champions for the first time in program history on Sunday. It was also the first tournament championship for the program in 30 years. The Lynx will be making their third NCAA appearance, and first in 13 years (2008) on Friday.

Rhodes, who was seeded second in the 2021 SAA Women's Soccer Tournament, watched on Friday as No. 4 - seeded Sewanee advanced to the tournament championship game over No. 13 - ranked Centre College. It was just the second time this season that the Colonels were held scoreless with a 0-0 draw. Sewanee advanced to the championship game for the first time in program history after holding a 5-3 advantage in penalty kicks in the semifinal shootout. It was the first time in SAA history that Centre did not advance to the championship game. 

Later that night, the Lynx scored first to take the lead in the 24th minute of their semifinal matchup against No. 3 - seeded Berry. The Lynx defense limited the Vikings to just four shots in the first half before Berry tied the game in the 49th minute. Less than a minute later, Rhodes was awarded a penalty kick where senior Christina Karem put away the game-winner, advancing Rhodes to their seventh SAA tournament title game. 

In the title game, Sewanee scored in the 32nd minute to hold a 1-0 halftime advantage. The Lynx offense maintained possession for the majority of the second half when Izzy Gillespie found a rebound off a Tiger header on a Rhodes corner to tie the game in the 61st minute. The Lynx were then fouled inside the box near the right top corner when first year, Meghan Propp, secured the game-winning penalty kick for the 2-1 victory. During the game, Rhodes held a 14-7 shot advantage as well as a 3-0 corner kick advantage. Senior goalkeeper Abby Roevens made three stops in goal for the Lynx. 

Rhodes is scheduled to travel to Chicago, Ill., where the No. 16-ranked University of Chicago Maroons will be hosting the first and second rounds of the 2021 NCAA Championship. The Lynx and Marooons will meet on  Friday at 11 a.m. in the first round. Spectator information will be available later this week.

The following Rhodes players were named to the 2021 SAA Women's Soccer All-Tournament Team:
Meghan Propp (MVP)
Christina Karem
Olivia House