Lenoir-Rhyne Wins 2023 SAC Women's Soccer Tournament

MATTHEWS, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Soccer Team claimed their fourth SAC Tournament title after defeating the No. 2 seed Catawba in PK's. The teams played to a 2-2 draw after 110 minutes then the Bears hit their first four PK's to claim the title and wrap up the number one seed in the NCAA Southeast region. Ria Acton scored both goals then Acton, Evan O'Leary, Elin Hansson and Ella Garner connected on their PK's. 

Catawba was the first to score as Hannah Dunn gave the Catawba Indians an early 1-0 lead. Acton then tied it up after a free kick in the 35th minute to send the teams into the break all even. Acton then put the Bears ahead early in the second half with a PK after a Catawba foul in the box. Dunn then added a second goal on the day to tie it up 2-2. After 35 mins of scoreless play, the match went to PK's. After O'Leary hit her shot, Catawba's Sydney Jimmo missed hers wide. Acton and Hansson then connected to give the Bears a 3-1 lead. Bree Ehmer also missed wide for Catawba then Garner drilled her shot to clinch the Bears fourth SAC Title. 

The SAC also named an all-tournament team of 11 players, including the tournament's Most Valuable Player, Lenoir-Rhyne's Ella Garner. The following players were named to the 2023 SAC Women's Soccer All-Tournament Team:

Addie Henry, Carson-Newman

Berna Kabakci, Carson-Newman

Caroline Peters, Wingate

Yasmin Cowley, Wingate

Hannah Dunn, Catawba

Eileen Woodings, Catawba

Kelly Havens, Catawba

Ella Garner, Lenoir-Rhyne, MVP

Ria Acton, Lenoir-Rhyne

Neve Duston, Lenoir-Rhyne

Anna Schuller, Lenoir-Rhyne

NCAA Tournament First Round will start on Friday November 17th from Hickory. NCAA Selection Show will be tomorrow at 6:30 PM to determine the bracket. 

-#MakeSACYours-