Game Recap: Rhodes vs. Roanoke College
In a defensive battle, the Rhodes College field hockey team opened the 2026 season with a 1-0 victory over Roanoke on Sept. 5 in Sewanee, Tenn. The Lynx controlled the offensive pressure throughout the contest, outshooting Roanoke 23-4 and holding a 7-5 advantage in penalty corners.
Key Performances
Maria Zaporozhski provided the game's only goal, finding the back of the cage at the 43:38 mark in the third quarter to give Rhodes the lead.
Bella Spina was credited with the assist on the game-winning goal.
Rhodes' defense held Roanoke to just four shots throughout the contest, including only one shot on goal. The Lynx allowed no goals to secure the season-opening shutout.
Game Highlights
Rhodes recorded 23 total shots, including eight on goal, while Roanoke finished with four shots and one shot on goal. The Lynx also earned seven penalty corners compared to five for the Maroons.
After a scoreless first half, Rhodes broke through in the third quarter when Zaporozhski converted Spina's assist for the lone goal of the afternoon. The Lynx maintained the advantage through the final quarter to secure the 1-0 victory and open the season at 1-0.
Game Recap: Rhodes vs. John Carroll University
The Rhodes College field hockey team continued its strong start to the 2026 season with a 5-1 victory over John Carroll University on Sept. 6 in Sewanee, Tenn. The Lynx improved to 2-0 on the season after putting together a dominant offensive performance, recording 48 shots and 14 penalty corners.
Rhodes wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as
Abbie Wallace found the back of the cage just 49 seconds into the contest off an assist from
Maria Zaporozhski. John Carroll answered later in the first quarter, but the Lynx regained the lead in the second when
Bella Spina scored at the 26:33 mark with an assist from
Meredith Dunn.
Key Performances
Spina led the Rhodes attack with two goals, scoring once in the second quarter and again in the fourth to cap the Lynx's offensive performance.
Zaporozhski contributed a goal and an assist, helping Rhodes establish an early lead before adding her own goal at the 46:53 mark of the third quarter.
Wallace opened the scoring for the Lynx just 49 seconds into the contest, while
Alder Dickey added a goal in the fourth quarter off an assist from Spina.
Dunn recorded an assist on Spina's first goal, while Spina finished the afternoon with two goals and an assist.
Game Highlights
Rhodes dominated possession and offensive opportunities throughout the contest, finishing with 48 total shots, including 28 shots on goal. John Carroll managed just one shot, which was on goal.
The Lynx also controlled the penalty-corner battle, earning 14 corners compared to three for John Carroll. Rhodes' offensive pressure remained consistent throughout all four quarters, recording 14 shots in the first, 18 in the second, six in the third and 10 in the fourth.
After leading 2-1 at halftime, Rhodes added three goals in the second half to pull away. Zaporozhski scored early in the third quarter before Dickey and Spina found the cage in the fourth, securing the 5-1 victory.
With the win, Rhodes improves to 2-0 on the season.
Up Next: Rhodes vs. Wilson College
The Lynx continue the 2026 season with their next matchup against Wilson College on September 11.Â
