CLEVELAND, Ga. (Oct. 26, 2019) – After honoring seniors Jasmin Lanuza and Jessica Lanier, the Truett McConnell University women's soccer team blanked Columbia International University 2-0, which concluded TMU's regular season schedule, to become the Appalachian Athletic Conference Regular Season Co-Champions on Saturday afternoon. For the second straight season, the Lady Bears have earned an automatic bid to the NAIA national tournament and will enter into the AAC tournament as the No. 1 seed.
 
Tennessee Wesleyan University is the AAC opponent that TMU (15-2, 12-1 AAC) is sharing the regular season title with this season, however, the nationals bid and No. 1 seed goes to the Lady Bears because the Lady Bears defeated the Bulldogs earlier in the season 2-0.
 
"The coaching staff is very proud of this group of girls," Head Coach David McDowell said. "They have played superb soccer all year and have worked so hard every day and have been a joy to coach. We have said all year that it takes talent to win a championship but it takes character to repeat that feat. This group of girls has shown immense character all year simply because they are girls of strong character.
 
We were made to work all the way this season from Tennessee Wesleyan and fair play to them because they are on a great run and kept winning. But our girls wanted this championship. They are champions on and off the field and there is no other group I would want to coach. We are excited for both the conference and national tournament. While we have won the regular season, we have other goals we want to accomplish for this season. But we will definitely take the time to celebrate and enjoy this achievement."
 
The Lady Bears outshot the Rams in the first half 9-2 and 8-5 in the second. Lanuaza, in fact, found the back of the net for TMU within the first five minutes of the game on her senior day. After Lanuza's first shot deflected off a CIU defender on a corner kick, Lanuza struck once more to immediately put TMU out front (1-0). With nine minutes to go before the half, junior Tori Wilson's corner allowed fellow Marissa Harkins to head in TMU's second and final goal of the regular season (2-0).
 
Lanuza and junior Jennifer McCall led the way with three shots apiece, two on target. Sophomore Mackenzie Taylor and freshman Lyndsey Darden each added two shots. Sophomore Hope Foster was credited four saves on the day.
 
TMU's first opponent for the tournament and kick-off time is to be determined. Updates will be posted when given.