JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.- Two of the best teams in the South Atlantic Conference face off when Carson-Newman (8-2-2, 6-1) meets Lenoir Rhyne (6-2-3, 5-0-2) tomorrow at 5 p.m. in Hickory, N.C.
The Eagles sit atop the SAC table with 18 points, while the Bears are in second with 17 points.
"These next three games are pivotal in our postseason seeding," Carson-Newman head coach Simon Duffy said. "The girls are well-aware of that. Obviously Saturday we start off with a wonderful L-R side. We have to be understanding and in the moment.
Carson-Newman enters this match on a seven-game winning streak, the longest since the 2018 season. During the win streak, C-N has outscored its opponents 23-3. The group has also scored multiple goals in six straight games.
13 different Eagles have put the ball in the back of the net this season. 9 of those 13 players have scored multiple goals. Sophomores Nellie Bryneus and Sydnee Duncan are tied for the team lead with four goals each.
C-N's offense ranks 2nd in the SAC in goals, goals per game and shots per game.
After dropping its first road match of the season, C-N has won three straight matches away from Mossy Creek.
Four of C-N's five clean sheets have come during the team's current winning streak. Freshman goalkeeper Laura Germes has been part of all five shutouts this season.
C-N ranks sixth in the latest United Soccer Coaches Southeast region poll, while Lenoir-Rhyne is eighth.
Lenoir-Rhyne enters the match on a streak of its own. The Bears are on a six-match unbeaten streak. During this stretch, they have defeated Limestone (1-0), Mars Hill (3-1), Belmont Abbey (2-1) and Emory & Henry (7-0). The Bears tied with Anderson and Wingate, both 1-1 draws.
Ella Hansson leads Lenoir-Rhyne with six goals scored this season, that mark ranks 4th in the SAC. Evan O'Leary is another key piece to the offense, as she has recorded a team-high four assists.
"They play a different formation than we've seen this year," Duffy said. "When we are out of possession, we need to understand our roles and responsibilities. As a coaching staff, it's our responsibility to make sure the players are well-versed and know exactly what they need to do. When we have possession, we need to be confident in our ability and creative in that final third."
Lenoir-Rhyne has won three straight meetings in this series. The last C-N win came on the road in 2018.
Be certain to follow Carson-Newman athletics on twitter at @cn_eagles for live updates.
The game can be streamed on FloSports with a subscription.
