This weekend, Rhodes College Field Hockey competed in the 2023 SAA Championship Tournament. The Lynx came into the weekend with a 12-4 overall record and ranked #2 in the SAA. Rhodes College hosted the tournament here in Memphis and played on Crain Field. The Lynx, losing once to Marian University and Centre College during the regular season, had a chip on their shoulder and came into the weekend ready to compete for the SAA title.

On Saturday, the Lynx faced the #3 seeded Marian University Sabers in the semifinal match. Twelve minutes into the first quarter, Sheela Vasan scored for the Lynx, assisted by Grace Utz. There were no additional goals in the first half of the match, but the Lynx quickly set the pace for the game after the break. Bella Spina, assisted by Utz, was quick to attack for the Lynx and scored 1 minute into the 3rd quarter, giving momentum to the Lynx. The Lynx defense held firm, resulting in 8 saves in the second half and 11 overall saves for Rhodes in the match. The Marian Sabers grabbed a late goal, bringing the score to 2-1. The Lynx were able to keep the ball away from the Saber offense and held them to one goal in the 4th quarter, leading the Lynx to a 2-1 semifinal victory and onto the Championship round of the tournament.

With Crain Field filled with excitement for Championship Sunday, the Lynx did not hesitate to make a statement in the first half of the match vs. the #1 seeded Centre College Colonels. Late in the first quarter, a penalty corner was drawn by Rhodes College, taken by Ellie Pratka, which led to a Lynx goal scored by senior Sophie Croci. In the second quarter, Grace Utz drew a penalty stroke for the Lynx and scored, bringing Rhodes to lead 2-0. With the Rhodes momentum, Sophie Croci scored another for the Lynx, assisted by Utz just 5 minutes later. The Lynx then allowed a Centre goal before the half ended. The Lynx defense and Centre defense held during the second half, and no other goals were allowed. The exceptional defense by the Lynx was a huge factor leading Rhodes to victory. The defense led by Elinor West, Ellie Pratka, and Sam Ducey only allowed two shots on goal the entire game, 1 of which being the Centre goal scored. The Lynx battled hard on the field, making an impressive run as the #2 seed, and winning the SAA conference title against the Colonels 3-1.

Outstanding players nominated to the SAA All-Tournament team from Rhodes College were senior Sophie Croci and junior Grace Utz. The SAA Tournament Most Valuable Player, also from Rhodes College, was RC Kugler. The outstanding performance by all of the Lynx athletes this weekend led to a successful championship Sunday for Rhodes College Field Hockey on the Lynx's home turf. The Lynx finish their season with an overall record of 14-4, 6-2 in conference play, and as the 2023 Southern Athletic Association Field Hockey Champions! Roll Lynx!