MATTHEWS, N.C. - For most of the game, the Bears were the better team. They outshot Lincoln Memorial 16-11 and held most of the possession. But in the end, it's what's on the scoreboard that matters, and the Railsplitters put two past the Lenoir-Rhyne defense to claim their first SAC title since 2007. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Lincoln Memorial 2, Lenoir-Rhyne 0
Records: Lincoln Memorial (9-7-2), Lenoir-Rhyne (8-5-4)
Location: Matthews, N.C. | Sportsplex at Matthews

STATS OF THE MATCH:

• Lenoir-Rhyne dominated the first half, out-shooting the Railspliiters 11-5 and forcing goalie Daniel Benedek Miklosi into three saves.
• The Bears stayed agressive to open the second half, with Raul Canas and Arnau Olle each putting up shots in the first 10 minutes. 
• The LMU defense stood strong and in the 82nd minute Antonio Talavera got out on a breakaway and found a streaking Blondel O'Mahoney for the game's first goal.
• Just four minutes later some confusion led to a one-on-one for Gian-Carloa Kama, and he put it into the far right corner to double the lead.
• Xairo Villalon had a late chance but it was too little, too late, as LMU held on for the title.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• This was a rematch of the 2022 SAC Championship, where Lenoir-Rhyne defeated Lincoln Memorial 1-0. 
• The Railsplitters won 2-0 in these teams' early season matchup in Hickory.
• There were only two yellow cards given this game, both to Lincoln Memorial.
• Head coach Carlos Rubio now has a record of 23-18-11 in his three years as the head man for the Bears.