Bulldogs Top Lenoir-Rhyne in SAC Women's Lacrosse Championships

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – Wingate captured the 2026 South Atlantic Conference Women's Lacrosse Championship on Sunday afternoon, defeating Lenoir-Rhyne 11-9 at the Matthews Sportsplex.

The Bulldogs (16-3) used a dominant fourth quarter to erase a one-goal deficit and pull away late, outscoring the Bears 5-2 in the final period to secure the title.

Wingate placed three players atop the scoring sheet, as Deirdre Jones, Bree Solero and Stacy Glover each netted three goals in the victory. Jones added an assist for a four-point performance, while Julia Garvin contributed a goal and two assists.

Lenoir-Rhyne (11-7) was led by Kirra Olson's four-point outing (three goals, one assist), while Anneleise Meyer added two goals and Hannah Thomas chipped in a pair of scores.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 4-2 lead after the opening quarter and carried a 6-5 advantage into halftime. The Bears responded in the third period, scoring twice to take a 7-6 lead heading into the final 15 minutes.

Wingate quickly flipped the momentum in the fourth. Jones scored back-to-back goals in the opening 1:47 to put the Bulldogs in front for good, sparking a 5-0 run that stretched the lead to 11-7 with just under five minutes remaining.

Lenoir-Rhyne added two late goals, but Wingate controlled the draw circle and possession down the stretch to seal the win. The Bulldogs held a 14-7 advantage in draw controls, helping fuel their decisive fourth-quarter surge.

Saskia Aunger earned the win in goal for Wingate, recording seven saves, while Lenoir-Rhyne's Sally Friesen finished with 10 saves.

Wingate also held the edge in shots (31-25) and showcased balanced offensive production with 11 goals on 18 assists.

With the victory, the Bulldogs claim the SAC Championship and earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

South Atlantic Conference All-Tournament Team

Megan Muir, Anderson

Shannon Creagh, Newberry

Kirra Olson, Lenoir-Rhyne

Sally Friesen, Lenoir-Rhyne

Anneleise Meyer, Lenoir-Rhyne

Delaney Williams, Lenoir-Rhyne

Krysta Churns, Wingate

Sophie Pavlick, Wingate

Kathryn McCabe, Wingate

Bree Solero, Wingate

Bree Solero, Wingate

Deirdre Jones, Wingate, MVP