CONWAY, Ark. - The Hendrix Warriors earned the right to host an SAA Quarterfinal match following their best regular season since 2012, going 4-1-1 in conference play to finish third in the Southern Athletic Association.

The first of those four conference wins came against Birmingham-Southern (BSC) in the conference opener, so perhaps it was poetic that the Warriors would square off with the Panthers once again, this time in tournament play.

But there would be no repeat performance this time, as two second-half goals from BSC captain Trey Hines were enough to see Hendrix off on a wet and windy day at Warrior Soccer Field. 

The first half saw only one shot on target from either side, with James Leone making the lone save. The Panther offense ramped up in the second half, registering six shots on frame over the final 45 minutes while stifling any opportunities the Warriors had going forward.

Hendrix finishes the season 8-4-4 (4-1-2). It was the Warriors' most successful campaign since joining the SAA, as they defied all expectations for a team that was picked to finish second-to-last in the 2022 SAA Preseason Coaches poll.