McKenzie

CONWAY, Ark. - Last night the Warriors tied Rhodes, earning third place in the Southern Athletic Association regular season. Ethan Nelson, Zack Roberts, and Luis Civallero were honored as part of the senior night festivities.

Last night the Rhodes Lynx traveled to Conway, Arkansas to play the Warriors for the first-place seed and regular season championship title. Coming into the match, Rhodes was 4-0-2 and had one point over Hendrix in the standings who entered with a conference record of 4-1-1. 

The game started out with lots of intensity from both sides, with the Warriors earning an early corner kick within the first minute of the game. The Lynx were able to create some chances, taking three shots before the Warriors made a few substitutions. Both teams had a few offensive opportunities throughout the rest of the half and unfortunately, the Warriors were unable to make the final cross or pass that would have given them a scoring opportunity. Going into half-time the score was 0-0 with the Rhodes outshooting Hendrix 8-1. Coming into the second half, The Warriors built up an opportunity with Danny Kern taking his first shot of the day. The Orange and Black defense was able to shut down any opportunities and were able to build up another great attack with the first shot on goal from the Warriors coming from Mason Reid in the 58th minute. The Warriors kicked up their intensity and speed in the final five minutes of the game but unfortunately just got shut down by the Lynx defense. As the final few seconds ticked down with the ball in possession of Rhodes, the game ended in a scoreless draw, with Hendrix outshooting the Lynx 3-2 in the second half. With the tied game, Rhodes clinched the regular season title and Hendrix dropped to third after an earlier win in the conference that day for Sewanee.

However, with their third-place finish, the Warriors earned the opportunity to host a quarterfinal SAA tournament game next Saturday. The Warriors will battle for a chance to advance in the tournament against Birmingham-Southern, who they beat 2-1 in the first game of SAA play. Prior to that game, the Orange and Black will host Ecclesia College tomorrow night at 7 pm CST.

The Warriors' third-place finish is a program history best, with their best prior finish being sixth place in 2017 and fourth place when they were a member of the SCAC in 1993. It is also the first time they've posted a winning season since 2012. At the end of the regular season, Hendrix is ranked 21st nationally and third in the SAA for a save percentage of 85.1%. They are also second in conference for saves per game (4.38) and shot accuracy (51.7%). They rank 61st nationally with a shutout percentage of 46.2% and 44th nationally for a team goals-against average of .773. Freshman Holt Bliss ranks 108th nationally and second in conference for his .38 assists per game and also for his five total assists. Jensen Pechar and Omar Pelayo share 139th nationally and second in the SAA for their two game-winning goals each. James Leone is currently 50th in the country for his goals-against average of .773, 27th for his save percentage of 85.1%, 21st for his six shutouts, and 115th for his 57 saves on the season. 

Prior to the start of the game, three Hendrix Warriors were recognized for their dedication and service to the men's soccer program, which in their final season has posted their best conference and overall season performance. Captain Zack Roberts and Luis Civallero, from Houston, Texas, and Ethan Nelson from Edmond, Oklahoma were the three senior defenders honored. Nelson played his 48th game as a Warrior last night and in his career has made six shots, one assist, and started in 33 games as an outside-back. He has also received SAA Academic Honor Roll and has been a member of the Dean's List. Nelson will be graduating with his Master of Arts in Accounting after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting last year. Roberts played in his 54th game for the Orange and Black and in his career has totaled 36 shots (15 on goal), five goals, two game-winning goals, three assists, and has started in 51 games as a defender. He has also received SAA Academic Honor Roll, been a member of the Dean's List, made the 2020-21 season All SAA Sportsmanship Team, was a SAA Honorable Mention last year, and was awarded week four SAA Defensive Player of the Week this year. Roberts will be graduating with a major in biology and plans on attending medical school. Civallero has played in three games for the Warriors, due to various injuries throughout his career. He has been named to the SAA Academic Honor Roll and will be attending the University of Houston Center of Law right after graduation.