MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A valiant effort from Centre women's lacrosse fell just short in the Southern Athletic Association Tournament Championship Sunday, as host Rhodes won by a 14-10 score at Mason Field.
 
The Colonels went toe-to-toe with the tournament's top-seed, but a late stretch from the Lynx allowed them to pull away for their fifth consecutive SAA crown.
 
Centre ends the campaign with a 14-5 overall record, while Rhodes heads to the NCAA Tournament at 13-3.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rhodes' Aidan Pike scored the game's opening goal just 36 seconds in, but the Colonels would control momentum for much of the first half.
- Amelia Tomasulo hit the back of the net just a minute later, and McKenna Hulette gave Centre a 2-1 advantage near the 20-minute mark.
- Annika Hedlund sparked a 5-0 stretch from the home side that allowed them to regain a 6-2 lead, but two late goals from Mary Katherine Hardy brought the Colonels within 6-4 at the half.
- The Colonels wouldn't go quietly in the second half, helped by a pair of goals from Abby Whitford and a free position score by Hulette that pulled Centre within 8-7.
- Rhodes would hit the gas pedal at that point, however, pulling off another devastating 5-0 run that put the Colonels on the ropes.
- Whitford, Bella Tacogue and Tomasulo added late scores for the Colonels, but it wasn't enough to complete a comeback bid.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Lola Duff was strong in-goal for the Colonels, as the rookie piled up 11 saves. Rhodes keeper Lauren Lazure had a standout performance, as well, turning aside 17 shots.
- Centre out-shot Rhodes 35 to 28 and won 14 of 26 draw controls. The Colonels also made transition tough on the Lynx, allowing them to successfully clear just 15 of 27 attempts.
- Whitford finished with a team-high three goals, while Tomasulo, MK Hardy and Hulette each had two.
- MK Hardy led all players with five ground balls and eight draw controls.