Eagles Take Down #1 Keiser at Ken White Field

Waleska, GA - All eyes across the NAIA were focused on the much-anticipated matchup of the 2024 National Championship game between the Reinhardt Eagles and the Keiser Seahawks.  It is always a battle when these two meet and there is usually some important implications riding on the game.  The Eagles took this one with a final score of 15-13 on Friday afternoon. The win will shake up the standings in both the AAC and the NAIA.

The Eagles, who entered the game ranked #5, faced off against the #1 NAIA-ranked Keiser Seahawks. The game kicked off with intense competition, and by halftime, Reinhardt had established a solid lead with a score of 10-5. Key performances included Reid McDowell leading the scoring with four goals, including the crucial game-winning goal. Joey Amatulli and Cameron Ison also made significant contributions, with Amatulli scoring three goals and assisting one, while Ison netted two goals and provided two assists. Amatulli scored the first goal for the Eagles to get the game going.

One of the pivotal moments was in the third quarter when Reinhardt held Keiser scoreless, maintaining their lead and ultimately setting the stage for their victory. Despite a strong final push from the Seahawks, they could only narrow the gap to two goals, and the Eagles clinched the win.  The third quarter ended up being the difference in the game as the Eagles put two goals and the defense stepped up and held the talented Seahawk teams scoreless.

Goalie Ethan Rogers' performance was pivotal in keeping Keiser at bay. Notably, this win was a "great team win," as it upset the top-ranked Seahawks and demonstrated the Eagles' capability to contend at the highest levels. The Eagles are very young, but they have grown a lot since the beginning of the season.

Looking ahead, the Eagles will travel to Kentucky to face Cumberlands on April 5th, hoping to build on their current impressive record of 8-1, 4-1 in conference play. As the season progresses, the Eagles appear to be a formidable force in the NAIA lacrosse landscape.  

 Goal Scorers for the Eagles:

Joey Amatulli (3), Reid McDowell (4), Cameron Ison (2), Carter Garrison (2), Luke Greer (2), Benjamin Shackelford (1), Marshall Cisco (1)

Goal Keeping: