In Columbus, Georgia, the #3 Rhodes Lynx wasted no time establishing themselves as contenders on the first day of the SAA Tournament. Picking up a win against #6 Centre and a loss against #2 Millsaps.
Game 1
A dominant first inning laid the groundwork for a 10-0 victory over Centre, with Rhodes firing on all cylinders from start to finish.
The game opened with a surge of offense from Rhodes. Savannah Russell reached base and crossed home to ignite a five-run first inning. Athena Gonzales followed with a fielder's choice RBI, while Harper Allee-Press delivered a sharp single to bring in two more. Madison Bromley's RBI single and Talia Travis's double added to the damage, giving Rhodes a comfortable early lead.
Taylor Petty took the mound and delivered an impeccable performance. In just five innings, she allowed only one hit, struck out five, and needed just 57 pitches to close out the game. Her calm control and efficient pitching kept Centre's batters off balance, ensuring Rhodes maintained their grip on the game.
The Lynx didn't let up, scoring in both the third and fourth innings. Errors by Centre opened the door for additional runs, including a standout sequence in which Gonzales reached base, cleared the bases, and scored herself thanks to aggressive baserunning and defensive miscues.
By the end, the scoreboard told the story: Rhodes tallied 10 hits, no errors, and controlled every aspect of the game. The win marked an emphatic start to their tournament run, blending sharp defense, timely hitting, and dominant pitching into a complete performance.
Game 2
The game started on a difficult note for Rhodes. Millsaps pounced in the first inning, scoring five runs on a combination of sharp hitting and patient at-bats. Gina Dudley, Rhodes' starting pitcher, faced trouble early, exiting after just one-third of an inning. Emily Pertuit entered in relief and steadied the game, but the damage was already done.
At the plate, Rhodes had moments of promise. Quinn Thompson and Jasmyn Stanley each tallied two hits, with Stanley delivering a double that briefly sparked hope for a rally. Harper Allee-Press also contributed with two singles and a stolen base, showing the Lynx's potential. But Millsaps' ace, A. Vasquez, proved too formidable. Over six innings, she kept Rhodes off the scoreboard, scattering six hits while striking out four.
Despite the setback, Rhodes' day wasn't without bright spots. The team showed flashes of their offensive capabilities and resilience in a challenging game. With the loss dropping them into the lower bracket, the Lynx now face an uphill battle—but their earlier success in the tournament proves they have what it takes to bounce back.
