Rhodes College entered the NCAA tournament with heads held high, fresh off their Southern Athletic Association championship victory. The Lynx were off to St. Louis, Missouri where their opening game was against a familiar opponent in Belhaven University. The Lynx ultimately fell to the Blazers 1-14. As a result, they faced an elimination game against the Milwaukee School of Engineering, where they fell 3-4, ultimately bringing their season to an end.
Game 1
The Lynx took the field with determination, battling through a tough first inning where Belhaven's bats came alive. Despite the early deficit, Rhodes refused to back down. In the fourth inning, Quinn Blackman's sharp single sparked a rally, and Myles Kruger followed with a clutch hit up the middle to drive in a run, putting the Lynx on the board. The dugout erupted with energy as the team showed their fighting spirit.
Defensively, Rhodes worked tirelessly to stem Belhaven's momentum. Pitchers Zac Sohosky and his bullpen teammates battled through the innings, refusing to give up even when faced with relentless pressure. Fielders like Ben Burkhart and Cooper Kuriger made critical plays to keep the game within reach, but the odds proved too steep to overcome. The game ended in a tough 14-1 loss, sending Rhodes to the losers' bracket.
Game 2
In their next matchup against Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), Rhodes came out hungry to keep their season alive. They showcased flashes of brilliance on both offense and defense. However, MSOE capitalized on key moments, ultimately edging out the Lynx and closing the curtain on their tournament run.
The Lynx came out strong in the second inning, sparked by Ben Daniel's clutch double to left field, driving in Quinn Blackman for the game's first run. Moments later, Myles Kruger added to the lead with a well-placed single up the middle, allowing Daniel to cross the plate. Rhodes held a promising 2-0 lead as the game settled into a defensive battle.
Pitcher Mick Arney, supported by a sharp defense, stymied MSOE through the early innings, keeping their hitters at bay. Ben Daniel continued to shine, contributing both at the plate and in the field, while Brad Larson provided a late-game spark with a pinch-hit single.
However, MSOE mounted a comeback in the seventh inning. A bases-loaded double by C. Claas tied the game, and J. Franks followed with another double, bringing in two more runs to give MSOE a 4-2 lead. Rhodes responded in the eighth when Daniel's second double of the game plated Brandon Trichell, narrowing the gap to one. Despite their relentless effort, the Lynx couldn't complete the comeback in the ninth, and Rhodes fell just short with a final score of 4-3.
Despite the bittersweet ending, Rhodes' season was one to remember. The team displayed grit, determination, and camaraderie that will undoubtedly fuel their future successes. The Lynx left the field with their heads held high, proud of how far they had come and ready to build on the legacy they had forged this season.
