DECATUR, Ala. - [Watch On-Demand] SCAD Savannah (Ga.) (14-3) used a dominant first quarter and controlled possession throughout the night to defeat Cumberlands (Ky.) (20-2), 14-7, Wednesday evening and secure a spot in the 2026 NAIA Women's Lacrosse National Championship Game on Friday, May 15 at 5 p.m. CT

The Bees built an early advantage with six unanswered goals in the opening quarter and never allowed the Patriots to recover fully. SCAD established control early, scoring the game’s first six goals over the opening 13 minutes. Karley Holland led the early surge with three first-quarter goals, while Maddie Krohn also contributed offensively as the Bees carried a six-goal lead into the second quarter. Cumberlands broke through at the 12:29 mark of the second quarter, but SCAD responded quickly to maintain momentum. Goals from Kellen Berkeley and Krohn helped the Bees extend the lead to 8-1 at halftime.

The Patriots showed more offensive rhythm after halftime, led by Ashlee Baker during a three-goal quarter. SCAD continued to answer each push; however, as Ellen Benintendi scored twice, including a man-up goal, while Holland added another score off an assist from McKinsey Brown to keep the margin at 11-4 entering the fourth quarter. Cumberlands opened the final quarter with three of the first four goals to trim the deficit to 12-7 with 8:32 remaining. SCAD closed the game with a goal from Brown and two late goals from Krohn to secure the seven-goal victory.

Key Performers

SCAD Savannah

• Maddie Krohn: 5 goals.
• Karley Holland: 4 goals.
• Annise Berkeley: 4 assists.
• McKinsey Brown: 1 goal and 2 assists.
• Chloe Zundel: 8 saves.

Cumberlands

• Ashlee Baker: 3 goals and 1 assist.
• Emma Rittman: 2 goals.
• Audrey Donaldson: 1 goal.
• Christina Carter: 1 goal.
• Mikayla Kimsey: 15 saves.

By the Numbers

• Shots: SCAD 34, Cumberlands 22.
• Shots on goal: SCAD 29, Cumberlands 15.
• Draw controls: SCAD 18, Cumberlands 5.
• Ground balls: Cumberlands 20, SCAD 16.
• Turnovers: SCAD 17, Cumberlands 19.
• Free-position shooting: SCAD 2-for-4, Cumberlands 1-for-2.

SCAD will take on the defending national champions in Benedictine (Kan.) at Jack Allen Sports Complex on Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m. CT.