Score: No. 2
Keiser Seahawks 17, No. 5 Reinhardt Eagles
Records: Keiser (12-0 - No. 1 seed), Reinahrdt (8-4 - No. 3 seed)
Location: Lupo Family Field - Marietta, Ga.
No. 2 Keiser men's lacrosse (12-0) registered a decisive victory over No. 5 Reinhardt (8-4) in the finals of the Appalachian Athletics Conference Tournament with a final score of 17-10 at Lupo Family Field. This marks Keiser's second straight tournament title, earning them the conference's automatic bid in the upcoming NAIA National Championship Tournament.
The first quarter commenced with Keiser taking control as Chris Rayburn secured the initial faceoff, setting up an early offensive push. Despite an early shot hitting the post, the Seahawks quickly found their rhythm with JP Prather netting the first goal at 11:05, assisted by Kegan Hufford. Ryan Stowell and Ryan Rundle added two more goals, giving Keiser a strong early lead.
RU responded with a surge, scoring three consecutive goals to tie the game at 3-3. However, the Seahawks regained the lead with a goal from Prather at 3:58. Hufford, with help from Kyle Davis, further extended Keiser's advantage, closing the quarter with a 5-3 lead.
Keiser capitalized in the second quarter, beginning with a Rundle by goal at 3:58. This score marked the start of a scoring surge for the home team. Following Rundle, Prather netted consecutive goals, pushing the Seahawks ahead with a substantial lead.
As time waned, Davis extended the advantage, converting a goal with an assist from Rundle at 00:29. Despite a goal from the Eagles' Benjamin Shackelford, the Seahawks maintained control, finishing the half with a 9-5 lead.
Keiser's offense surged in the third quarter, starting with Rundle's third goal of the game at 13:44, assisted by Marek Albiero. This was quickly followed by Hufford scoring twice, with his second goal coming during a man-up situation at 6:15. Cole Nappi also found the net. Despite goals from Luke Greer for RU, the Seahawks maintained their lead. The quarter concluded with Keiser leading 14-7.
The Seahawks began the fourth quarter with a goal by Davis at 13:23, responding to the Eagles' earlier score. Keiser maintained momentum as AJ Badik, assisted by Davis, extended the lead at 10:25. Zach Crotwell added another goal for the Seahawks at 5:31, with an assist from Maximus Pareto, solidifying their advantage.
Despite a late goal by Reinhardt's Shackelford at 00:43, Keiser's defense, led by multiple saves from Lucas Green, held steady. The quarter concluded with both teams adding three goals each, resulting in a final score of Keiser 17, RU 10, securing the victory for the Seahawks.
Rundle was named the Tournament MVP. Joining him on the All-Tournament Team were Rayburn, Shane Cassidy, and Badik
- Team - Faced 42 shots in the game, marking a season high for the 2025-26 season.
- Team - Recorded 14 saves in the game, surpassing their season average of 8.45.
- Team - Achieved at least 32 ground balls in 9 consecutive games through May 2, 2026.
- Team - Scored at least 17 goals in 4 consecutive games through May 2, 2026.
- Chris Rayburn - Collected 7 ground balls, exceeding their season average of 4.64.
- JP Prather - Achieved a season-high total of 4 goals.
- Kegan Hufford - Scored 4 goals, exceeding their season average of 2.27.
- Kyle Davis - Recorded 4 assists, surpassing their season average of 2.64.
- Ryan Rundle - Scored at least 3 goals in 4 consecutive games.
- Ryan Rundle - Recorded at least 2 assists in 5 straight games.
- With the win, the Seahawks are now 9-2 in the AAC Tournament and 3-1 in finals.
- Keiser has now won three straight and four of the last five against the Eagles.
No. 2 Keiser Seahawks
Points: Kyle Davis (6)
Goals: Kegan Hufford / JP Prather (4)
Assists: Kyle Davis (4)
Faceoffs: Chris Rayburn (12-25)
Ground Balls: Chris Rayburn (7)
Saves: Lucas Green (14)
No. 5 Reinhardt Eagles
Points: Benjamin Shackelford (4)
Goals: Benjamin Shackelford / Luke Greer (3)
Assists: Reid McDowell (2)
Ground Balls: Zach Dixon (6)
Saves: Michael Scoleri (9)
The 2nd Annual Men's Lacrosse National Championship will begin on May 12 and run through May 16 in Decature, Ala. The Men's Lacrosse NAIA Selection Show will take place on May 4 at 6 PM ET to announce the eight teams that will battle for this year's Red Banner.
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