#1 RUWLAX Secures the AAC Title with WIN Over #2 Cumberlands

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. - In a battle between the top two teams in the NAIA, top-seeded Reinhardt did just enough to get past No. 2 seed Cumberlands to capture the 2024 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Women's Lacrosse Tournament championship on Saturday.

The Eagles needed overtime to defeat the Patriots during the regular season, but no extra time was needed this time around in the 17-11 affair.

The tournament was held on the campus of Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky.

After trading goals in the first quarter, Reinhardt created some separation in the second. Tied at 7-all, the Eagles netted three goals in the final four minutes of the half to take a 10-7 lead at the break.

Reinhardt never trailed again. Cumberlands cut the margin to 11-9 midway through the third; however, Reinhardt netted six of the final eight goals of the game to seal the 17-11 win and the tournament championship.

This is the Eagles' fifth consecutive tournament championship.

Jillian Mello scored four goals and dished out three assists in the title match, earning her Tournament MVP honors.

Joining her on the All-Tournament Team are Brooklyn Hill, Shelby O'Neil, and Macy Fulton of Reinhardt; Aleyah Belton, Koral Hadac, and Morgan Tate of Cumberlands; Madison Diaz and Madison Haney of Georgetown; and Madison Terrell and Grace Wiegand of Montreat.

With the tournament win, Reinhardt receives an automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship Tournament, which is set for May 1-4 in Savannah, Ga. The national bracket will be unveiled during the selection show on Monday at 1 p.m. ET.

https://www.aacsports.com/sports/wlax/2023-24/releases/20240420vg5bv1