Eagles Soar to AAC Championship Final

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – For the second-consecutive outing – this time in the semifinals of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship – the top-ranked Eagles crushed St. Andrews (N.C.), 26-4, to advance to the finals tomorrow afternoon.

With the win, Reinhardt (13-0) will take on Cumberlands (Ky.) in the AAC Championship Final Saturday on its home field at 1 p.m.

The Eagles scored twice within two minutes to start the game, which helped them bookend the matchup with five goals in the first and fourth quarters. The middle of the AAC battle was even better for the hometown team, however, as it combined for 16 scores in the second and third periods.

Dillan Bousquet paced the offensive attack with six goals on seven shots with an assist.

"Happy with how my guys took what could-have-been a difficult position [not having their coach for an important playoff game] and showed no signs of disruption," head coach John Snow said. "They were all on the same page and played outstandingly. The defense was strong and aggressive, and Matt Webb was outstanding in the cage. JR Sess dominated faceoffs (23 out of 26) and our offense caught fire – scoring 26 goals, which tied a season high. Happy with how we didn't miss a beat. We're buzzing right now, hoping we can keep it going tomorrow.

"Love these guys… They put in the work."

The tone was set early inside Ken White Field at University Stadium after the Eagles controlled ball possession thanks to the play of faceoff specialist JR Sess (23-for-26). He helped Reinhardt put constant pressure on the Knights' defense, and it couldn't hold up.

Five goals in the opening stanza turned into eight more in the second for a 13-0 lead at the break for the No. 1 seed. The scoring run hit 19-0 in the third quarter before St. Andrews got on the board at 5:01.

The Eagles would respond with two more scores to head to the fourth ahead, 21-1.

Reinhardt would continue to empty the bench and get some players much-needed postseason experience as the final quarter rolled on. In the end, the Eagle reserves won the final period, 5-3, en route to the 22-goal positive outcome.

Zane Anderson and Tyler Chavous netted four shots each, and Conner Mills (two assists) and Cameron Cochran weren't far behind with three makes apiece.

Not to be outdone, Kyle Banks scored twice and added four dimes.

Matt Webb got the triumph in the cage after 45 minutes of play while making eight saves on nine shots.

Tune in tomorrow at 1 p.m. as the AAC banner is up for grabs.

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