Lenoir-Rhyne Captures Second Straight SAC Tournament Title
ROCK HILL, S.C. – For the fifth time in program history, and the second consecutive season, the Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Soccer Team won the South Atlantic Conference Tournament. Evan O'Leary scored twice in the second half as the Bears overcame a 1-0 deficit to earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
O'Leary, who was just announced as the SAC Offensive Player of the Year this week, came up clutch for the Bears. After Lincoln Memorial took an early lead in the 21st minute off a beautiful goal from Hannah Stafford, LR was in search of a comeback.
The No. 2 seed in the tournament came roaring back thanks to its senior leader. O'Leary tied the match in the 61st minute on a goal but saved her best for last. Just under than 15 minutes later, O'Leary lofted a shot from 30 yards out over the keepers head for the game-winner.
In the 83rd minute, Vivien Becker Peralta would tally an insurance goal with O'Leary getting credited with the assist as the Bears pulled away.
2024 South Atlantic Conference All-Tournament Team
Cameron Woods, Anderson
Kylie Swanson, Anderson
Makenna Freeman, Wingate
Hinako Aoki, Wingate
Bente Latenstein, Lincoln Memorial
Donna Van Der Zalm, Lincoln Memorial
Ryan Branson, Lincoln Memorial
Lilly Soltz, Lenoir-Rhyne
Carola Busquets, Lenoir-Rhyne
Viven Becker Peralta, Lenoir-Rhyne
Evan O'Leary, Lenoir-Rhyne, MVP