CONWAY, Ark. (April 11, 2023) — The Rhodes offensive firepower proved to be too much for the Hendrix Warriors to handle as the Lynx sailed to a 29-2 victory. With the win, Rhodes remains unbeaten in SAA conference play at 5-0.
Rhodes came out of the gates with a hot start, outscoring the Hendrix 13-0 in the first quarter. The draw controls gave the Lynx a huge possession advantage as they out-hustled the Warriors 11-3 on the circle in the first quarter, 22-12 on the day.
Anna Erskine put Rhodes on the board first, scoring off a free-position opportunity. Emily Bruner found Chloe Parker to quickly put Rhodes up 2-0 roughly 30 seconds later. Sophia Horowitz added her sole goal of the game on a free-position shot. The next draw control sailed to the restraining line where Avery Burke secured position and went straight to cage, putting Rhodes up 4-0.
After a dangerous play on ball, Hendrix served a red card penalty and firmly put the momentum with the Lynx. Rhodes continued the scoring run with Caroline Kardian and Burke notching two a piece while Carina Wesker and Erskine each added one. Parker scored twice more for a first quarter hat-trick.
While the scoring slowed in the second quarter, Rhodes picked up where they left off with Kardian scoring back-to-back goals. Burke notched her hat-trick goal and Madison Recker scored her first of the game to send Rhodes into halftime leading 17-0. Emma Bradley secured one save in the first quarter shutout.
Kardian pulled in the first draw control of the second half to keep momentum rolling. Molly Heidrick quickly scored on the first offensive possession and then added a second quick tally from a Bruner assist. On the next Hendrix offensive possession, Alaina Palmer put the Warriors on the board for her first goal of the game. Rhodes responded by ending the quarter on a 5-0 scoring run with two goals from Grace Williams and one each from Parker, Recker and Maisie Arlotto.
The final stretch game opened with freshman Nur Hamada scoring her first collegiate goal off a free-position stinger from the 8 meter. The Lynx kept it rolling as Recker tallied her hat-trick goal, a career-high, and Alex Johnson and Sierra Anderson both found the back of the net. Alaina Palmer ran it in for Hendrix, scoring her second goal for the night. Rhodes capped off their night with Julia Dalessandro scoring the final goal of the night.
The Lynx had 14 different goal scorers with seven players scoring multiple goals. The sharpshooting was also on display with the team netting 8-of-9 free-possession shots. Chloe Parker led goal scorers with 5 tallies while Avery Burke and Caroline Kardian each notched four. Madison Recker secured a career-high three goals while Emily Bruner dished out eight assists and caused three turnovers. Bari Pinkett caused two turnovers and picked up three ground balls along with five draw controls.
The Lynx will return to action on Saturday on Mason Field when they host Berry College (13-2, 5-0 SAA) at 12:00 p.m. CST. Rhodes will celebrate their four graduating seniors in the Senior Day contest. The winner will clinch the regular season title and top seed for the league tournament.
