Rhodes left it all on the field in the SAA Championship against undefeated Sewanee, showcasing relentless effort and determination despite falling short in a 10-7 thriller. The Lynx, led by senior standout Anna Erskine, gave Sewanee its toughest challenge of the season.
The game opened with Sewanee taking an early 2-0 lead, but Rhodes responded with characteristic resilience. Erskine ignited the comeback with a precision shot off a Maddie Bevier assist, sparking a 3-1 scoring run for the Lynx. Delaney O'Mailey's late first-quarter goal, assisted by Erskine, tied the game at 3-3, demonstrating Rhodes' ability to rise to the occasion.
In the second quarter, the Lynx continued to press forward. Nur Hamada's goal off a setup from O'Mailey brought Rhodes within striking distance, and Erskine tied the game again at 5-5 with just over four minutes remaining. Though Sewanee edged ahead just before halftime, Rhodes showed they were more than capable of competing with the nation's top team.
The second half was a test of endurance, with Sewanee pulling ahead in the third quarter. Rhodes' Caroline Kardian broke through with a determined solo effort, keeping the Lynx within three goals heading into the final period. Despite Sewanee extending their lead, Kardian struck again in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 10-7 and giving Rhodes a glimmer of hope in the closing minutes.
Erskine led the Lynx with three goals and an assist, showcasing her leadership and offensive skill in her final SAA appearance. Kardian added two clutch goals, while Hamada and O'Mailey each contributed to the scoring effort. Defensively, the Lynx held Sewanee's high-powered offense in check, forcing turnovers and battling for every possession.
Though the Lynx came up short, their performance in the SAA Championship was a testament to their growth, teamwork, and resilience. The team's future remains bright, with this group having set the tone for Rhodes' continued success in the conference.
SAA All-Tournament Team:
- Anna Erskine
- Bari Pinkett
- Molly Heidrick