HARDEEVILLE, S.C. – The top-seeded and No. 13 nationally ranked SCAD Savannah Bees clinched their second consecutive Sun Conference Tournament Championship with a decisive 5-2 victory over the second-seeded and No. 2 nationally ranked Keiser Seahawks on November 14, 2024.
With this win, SCAD Savannah improved to a 15-1-2 overall record, while Keiser fell to 14-1-1.
The Bees set the tone early, with forward Sydney Chura opening the scoring in the 3rd minute, assisted by midfielder Lucabella Ralph. Keiser responded in the 17th minute with a goal from midfielder Olivia Pousette, assisted by forward Alicia Rey. However, SCAD Savannah quickly regained the lead just a minute later when Chura netted her second goal, this time assisted by goalkeeper Saga Bryntesson.
SCAD Savannah continued their offensive surge, with midfielder Ines Sommer scoring twice before halftime, in the 30th and 40th minutes, respectively. Forward Abigail Siddall added another goal with just seconds to go in the half, giving the Bees a commanding 5-1 lead at the break.
In the second half, Keiser managed to reduce the deficit with a penalty kick goal by Alicia Rey in the 62nd minute. Despite increased pressure from the Seahawks, SCAD Savannah's defense held firm, securing the 5-2 victory.
The Bees outshot the Seahawks 23-14, with 10 shots on goal compared to Keiser's 4. Goalkeeper Saga Bryntesson recorded two saves for SCAD Savannah, while Keiser's goalkeeper, Maude Rouanet, made four saves.
This victory not only marks SCAD Savannah's second straight Sun Conference Tournament title but also earns them the league’s automatic berth into the 2024 NAIA National Tournament.
This year’s Tournament Most Valuable Player award went to the Bees’ captain, Abigail Siddall, who scored the Bees’ fifth goal in tonight’s match and added two more in the semifinal victory over Ave Maria.
The remainder of the All-Tournament Team will be announced on Friday, November 15th.
Click here for more information on this year's Tournament Championship.
ABOUT THE SUN CONFERENCE
Now entering its 35th year, The Sun Conference, a 501c3 organization, continues to be one of the most successful intercollegiate athletic conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under the guidance of Commissioner Dustin Wilke, the league sponsors championships in 24 NAIA sports. Learn more at thesunconference.com
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