The No. 2 Keiser Seahawks punched their ticket to the NAIA National Championship on Saturday, defeating No. 6 seed SCAD-Savannah 18–15 in a hard-fought semifinal matchup. The Seahawks remained unbeaten on the season, using timely scoring runs and key man-up conversions to hold off a late push from the Bees.
The Seahawks seized early momentum, building an 8–5 lead midway through the second quarter before SCAD-Savannah found the net to tighten the game. Keiser responded quickly, keeping control of the pace and closing the half with a 14–9 advantage after a strong offensive surge highlighted by efficient extra-man opportunities and dominant faceoff play by Chris Rayburn.
SCAD-Savannah opened the second half with renewed energy, scoring early to cut into the deficit and applying steady pressure throughout the third quarter. Despite the Bees' push, Keiser answered each run with timely goals, including a key man-up strike from AJ Badik and a late-quarter goal from Cole Nappi to maintain a five-goal cushion heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw SCAD-Savannah make one final push, narrowing the gap to just two goals midway through the period. However, the Seahawks delivered in the clutch as Ryan Stowell sparked the offense, followed by back-to-back late goals from Marek Albiero and AJ Badik to regain separation. The defense held strong in the closing minutes to secure the 18–15 victory and send Keiser to the national title game.
Keiser improves to 14–0 on the season, while SCAD-Savannah concludes their season at 13–5.
- The Seahawks remain undefeated at 14–0
- With this win, the Seahawks will advance to the NAIA National Championship game
- This will mark the fifth NAIA National Championship game appearance
- Keiser won the faceoff battle 23-37, led by Chris Rayburn (22-35)
- With 22 faceoff wins today, Rayburn now sits just 12 victories shy of breaking the program's all-time record
- AJ Badik led the team with 5 goals and 6 points
- Marek Albiero recorded 5 points
No. 2 Keiser Seahawks
Points:
Marek Albiero (7)
Goals:
AJ Badik (5)
Assists:
Marek Albiero (4)
Faceoffs:
Chris Rayburn (22-35)
Saves:
Lucas Green (7)
No. 4 SCAD-Savannah Bees
Points: Mason Hickman (7)
Goals: Mason Hickman (5)
Assists: Sebastian Manuel (3)
Saves: Keaton Melcher (16)
Up next, the Seahawks will take on No. 1 Madonna in the NAIA National Championship game on Saturday at 5 PM ET.
