CANTON, Ga. – Rhodes Women's Lacrosse sweeps SAA honors in week seven of action.
Around the SAA:
SAA Women’s Lacrosse Schedule/Results
SAA Women’s Lacrosse Standings
SAA Women’s Lacrosse Stats
2026 SAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship
Athletes of the Week:
Offense:
Caroline Kardian | Rhodes | SR | Roswell, GA - Caroline Kardian led the Rhodes offense with a dominant all-around week, totaling 6 goals and 2 assists for 8 points across three games while consistently driving the attack. She recorded 7 shots and 2 goals vs. George Fox, 3 points (2G, 1A) vs. Oglethorpe, and 3 points (2G, 1A) vs. Rowan, showing her consistency against multiple opponents. Kardian also contributed beyond scoring with 3 ground balls, multiple draw controls (including 15 vs. George Fox), and strong possession play, helping Rhodes control tempo offensively.
Defense:
Annabelle Kinzel | Rhodes | FR | Flower Mound, TX - Annabelle Kinzel anchored the Rhodes defense with an outstanding week in goal, totaling 28 saves across three games, including 10 saves vs. George Fox, 10 saves vs. Oglethorpe, and 8 saves vs. Rowan. She played every minute in net and added to her impact with 2 ground balls and controlled clears, helping Rhodes maintain possession. Kinzel was especially strong in key moments, consistently stopping free-position attempts and limiting opponents despite high shot volume, including a 51-shot performance by Rhodes’ offense that allowed her defense to stay aggressive. Her steady presence in goal was critical in Rhodes’ 2-1 week and conference-opening win.
Notable Performances:
Offense
- Gracie Garner | Centre | SR | Lousiville, KY - Gracie Garner powered the attack with 4 goals and 1 assist, leading the team’s offensive effort.
- Ellen Lewis | Sewanee | FR | Richmond, VA - Ellen Lewis led the Tigers in scoring this week for the Tigers. The freshman’s three goals and four assists with three draw controls helped Sewanee open SAA play with a 16-9 win against Centre. Against No. 19 Rowan, she also notched a goal and an assist with two draws.
Defense
- Sophia Richardson | Centre | JR | Lexington, KY - Sophia Richardson dominated possession with 4 draw controls while adding 3 caused turnovers and 3 ground balls in a strong all-around performance.
- Madelyn Gardner | Oglethorpe | FR | Cumming, GA - Oglethorpe freshman Madelyn Gardner had a career high-tying 16 saves in a midweek nonconference game before posting a strong Southern Athletic Association debut over the weekend with 13 saves.
- Ella Townsend | Sewanee | JR | Austin, TX - Ella Townsend led all players for both teams this week to open conference play against Centre with seven ground balls and three turnovers. She was a key part of a defense that allowed only 14 shots on the day. She added a ground ball and caused a turnover against Rowan on Tuesday.
2026 Women’s Lacrosse Report Archive (AOW)
Week One - Feb. 9 (Lillie Swanson/Shelby Klayman)
Week Two - Feb. 16 (Marlin Price/Ella Townsend)
Week Three - Feb. 23 (Ellen Lewis/Sally Whitehead)
Week Four - March 2 (Mariah Butler/Dani Taraska)
Week Five - March 9 (Marlin Price/Emma Steffensen)
Week Six - March 16 (Sally Herrington/Maddie BeVier)
For more information on all things SAA, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the SAA's home on the internet at www.saa-sports.com. Be sure to stay up to date on all ofyour Southern Athletic Association news by following @SAA_Sports on Twitter (X) and @SAA_Sports on Instagram.