WALESKA, Ga. (Sept. 15, 2018) – Freshman Lydia Williams' goal off the bench was the difference in the Truett McConnell University women's soccer team's 1-0 win at Reinhardt University, who is receiving votes in the latest NAIA national top 25, on Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Bears (5-1, 3-0 AAC) defeated the Eagles for their third Appalachian Athletic Conference win and fourth shutout of the season. Last time they met, TMU also came out on top (2-1). Reinhardt's record dropped to 4-3, 2-1 AAC.

FIRST HALF WAR

The Lady Bears were immediately ready to attack outshooting the Eagles 11-6 in the first 45 minutes of play. TMU forced Reinhardt's keeper to stay on her toes as she saved six shots taken by the Lady Bears on goal. Five different Lady Bears had an opportunity at the net; Tori Wilson, Susanna Peppers, Jennifer McCall, Williams and Jessica Lanier.

A shot of Megan McCall's was a close one as it bounced off the post. TMU earned four corners in comparison to the Eagles' three which enabled a few close shots that could have very well found the back of the net.

WILLIAMS' GOLDEN GOAL

Both teams tallied a total of nine goals but as a whole TMU outshot the Eagles at the net 11-5. In the 68th minute, just two minutes after Williams subbed in, TMU defender Marissa Harkins headed the ball and Sydney Ziglar got ahold of it. Ziglar went on to slip Williams in for a through ball which enabled Williams to drill the golden goal for her team-leading fifth goal of her freshman campaign. Peppers has also earned five goals this season for the Lady Bears.

COACH'S COMMENTS

"Playing Reinhardt is always tough," Head Coach David McDowell said. "They are athletic with some very strong players. It's been a long week with playing TN Wesleyan midweek and Reinhardt today but the girls have been phenomenal. We have a group that is selfless and play hard for each other and it showed today."

LEADERS

M. McCall led with seven shots, three on goal. J. McCall, Williams and Lanier all connected for three shots apiece. Jessica Hale earned a total of five saves.

The Lady Bears rank number four in NAIA DI in shots on goal per game and rank number six in total shots per game.

UP NEXT

TMU will be back on the road for some more AAC action at Columbia International University on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 5:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Montreat College.