GAMBIER, Ohio (May 14, 2022) - The Rhodes Lynx secured their first NCAA Tournament win since 2018 on Saturday afternoon, doing so in blowout fashion with an emphatic 24-6 win over the Aurora Spartans. The win moves Rhodes to 15-3 on the season and into the second round of the tournament, where host school Kenyon College awaits.

 Coming into the contest, Rhodes had the sixth-highest scoring offense in Division-III, and put their skill set on full display in this one. It did not take long for the Lynx to make their mark as Carina Wesker scored on the first possession of the game on a feed from Emily Bruner just 19 nineteen seconds into the match. Rhodes would add three more goals before the ten-minute mark on shots from Bruner, Baylee Barker, and Chloe Parker. A little past halfway through the first quarter, Aurora was able to get on the board with a Hannah Martingdale goal. The Lynx' response was to score three more times before the end of the quarter, including two more from Barker and a second from Bruner with only one second left on the clock. 

Just in case there was any doubt of who the better team was in this one, Rhodes came out hot in the second quarter. They outscored the Spartans 8-0, and allowed only one shot from the stick of an Aurora player. Their defensive intensity was unwavering as they held Aurora to only one clear in six attempts, won seven of eight draws controls, and forced five turnovers. The halftime score was 15-1 in favor of the Lynx. 

A weather delay that included lightning in the area caused an extended halftime of almost two hours. However, when the two teams returned to the field, Rhodes picked up where they left off. 

Avery Burke scored the first goal of the second half, but was answered by Aurora's Monique Gibson, who entered the game with more than 70 goals on the year. It would be the final time that the Spartans made it on to the board in the third. Meanwhile, Rhodes received a hat trick from Payton Bennett, as well as goals from Julia Dalessandro and Wesker to extend their lead to 21-2 at the horn.

Rhodes was able to empty their bench and get everyone valuable tournament experience in the fourth. Sierra Anderson, Emma Norris and Molly Heidrick all found the net for the Lynx. Aurora put together four goals in the final frame, with two from Gibson and two from conference player of the year Bailey Simpson to make the final of 24-6 .

Rhodes dominated this one in every aspect of the game, including 39 shots to Aurora's 15, an 80% clear percentage compared to Aurora's 43%, and 25 groundbals to the Spartan's 18. 

Barker and Bennett each had five goals for the Lynx, while Bruner led the way with nine overall points on three goals and six assists. Her six helpers put her over 100 for the season as she continues to add to her school record. Eleven different players scored for Rhodes, including six with two or more goals. 

The Lynx will have a quick turnaround for their game tomorrow as they face the host Kenyon College Ladies (15-1) at 1:00pm EST. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 next weekend.