Reinhardt (Ga.) Caps Dominant Spring with First-Ever NAIA Title

Finally.

After four years playing in the NAIA women’s lacrosse national championship tournament, Reinhardt (Ga.) finally broke through as the nation’s top seed. On Saturday, the Eagles became NAIA national champs for the first time, downing defending champion Lawrence Tech (Mich.) 18-10.

“This is just such a surreal moment,” senior attacker Anna-Marie Gazzo said. “I’ve never experienced it. I’m so happy.”

Gazzo’s seven points (five goals, two assists) tied for the team lead with Shelby O’Neil (four goals, three assists), who was named the tournament’s MVP.

Reinhardt and Lawrence Tech were locked in something of a back-and-forth game through the first 40 minutes. Hannah Huebner assisted Sydney Robinson with 8:36 left in the third quarter, getting Lawrence Tech within a couple at 11-9.

What happened next is what buried Lawrence Tech. Reinhardt got hot — scorching hot — and scored seven straight goals in the next 17:31. Gazzo scored three times in the run and O’Neil scored twice. Kelsey Sowa started the spurt (fittingly off an assist from O’Neil), and Samantha Poole got in on the action, too.

Gazzo’s player-up goal with 4:54 remaining made it 18-9.

“We hold each other accountable,” Reinhardt assistant Brian Landers said. “Our leaders on our team have been amazing this year. The culture they’ve built is why we’re at where we’re at.”

Reinhardt was a force to be reckoned with this spring, finishing 17-1. Its only loss came at the hands of Kennesaw State — an NCAA Division I program — in its season opener. The Eagles outscored each of their NAIA tournament opponents by at least seven goals.