Eager to get back on the field after their SAA semi-final win against the Sewanee Tigers, the Rhodes Lynx took on the Centre College Colonels in the SAA championship, which grants an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.
The Lynx, looking to secure their 9th straight SAA championship win, began the first quarter with a three-goal unanswered run by Anna Erskine, Chloe Parker, and Caroline Kardian. Centre responded, tying the game at 3-3, but the Lynx answered back again with a Chloe Parker goal assisted by Molly Heidrick, then a woman-up Molly Heidrick goal assisted by Avery Burke. Junior Anna Erskine finished scoring for the Lynx in the first quarter, scoring 6-3 in favor of the Lynx.
The second quarter was opened by a Colonel goal, followed by a woman-down goal by Senior Chloe Parker, securing her hat-trick and 200th career goal. Junior Molly Heidrick got on the scoreboard again going into the half, making the score 8-4.
Opening the second half, sophomore Caroline Kardian chips away with an assist by Chloe Parker. The Lynx scored three unanswered goals by Molly Heidrick, Caroline Kardian, and Chloe Parker. With the Colonels trying to even up the score by getting 2 more goals on the board, the Lynx scored 7 unanswered goals with a Molly Heidrick shot and goal finishing out the third quarter.
In the fourth and final quarter, Caroline Kardian and Molly Martiner open with unassisted goals. Following this, Riley Schutt gets on the board for the first time in the game, assisted by Molly Heidrick. Continuing, Molly Heidrick goes to assist the next three goals, finishing her 10-point performance by Avery Burke, Chloe Parker, and Maddy Recker with her first of the day, making the final score 19-8 with a Lynx win!
On the draw, Bari Pinkett led with 6 draw controls and on defense with 8 ground balls and 6 caused turnovers. The defensive unit was determined to minimize the Colonel's shots, holding scoreless on multiple woman-down moments and forcing shot clock violations. Anna Erskine also came up big with 3 ground balls and 3 caused turnovers on the day. Junior Goalie Olivia Wood was a force to be reckoned with, having 9 saves and a .52 save percentage for the big game.
At the end of the game, the SAA recognized the All-Tournament team, with Molly Heidrick, Avery Burke, Bari Pinkett, and Chloe Parker receiving "Most Outstanding Player" for her 5 goals and 1 assist performance.
The Lynx are ecstatic to watch the NCAA Selection Show on May 6th to reveal where they are traveling to and who they will play in the first round of playoffs.
