CLEVELAND, Ga. (Oct. 17, 2020) – The Truett McConnell University women's soccer team took down the Milligan University Buffaloes, who were perfect on the season, at the TMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex on Saturday evening. The Lady Bears defeated the Buffs 2-0 for their seventh straight Appalachian Athletic Conference win and sixth straight shutout. TMU improved to 7-0-1, 7-0-1 AAC on the season, while the Buffs fell to 6-1, 6-1 AAC.

"This was a really impressive performance from the girls," Head Coach David McDowell said. "We knew it was going to be a tough game because Milligan is a good team. I'm really proud of how the girls embraced the game plan and executed it. We have a really intelligent group of girls and they not only play soccer really well, but they make adjustments based on what they see and what the game gives them.

Some of our movement was excellent today and it allowed us to create some very good goal scoring opportunities. And it also helps to have two special goals scored by two special players (Smitherman, League)."

Although both teams accounted for a total of six shots in the first half, it only took nine minutes for the Lady Bears to get out front for good. Sophomore Ashleigh Smitherman struck from the wing on her first shot of the game to score her fourth goal of the season (1-0).

The second half saw TMU pick up the pace challenging Milligan's defense with 12 more shots, in comparison to the Buffs' four. In the 67th minute, junior Sydney League dribbled around and past four Milligan defenders to fire her third goal of the year, which allowed a two-goal cushion for TMU. The Lady Bears took eight more shots, in comparison to Milligan's two, but neither team was capable of scoring again as TMU handed the Buffs their first loss of the season (2-0). Overall, the Lady Bears earned a total of three corner kicks, while Milligan earned one.

Freshman Natalie Alamri led the way with a total of six shots, while Smitherman followed with four, three on goal. League followed with three, two on goal, and sophomore Lyndsey Darden added two shots. Freshman Addy Galason recorded a total of five saves on the night. Most notable, the Lady Bears lead the NAIA in total shutouts (7) and rank seventh in shutouts per game (.86).

Up next, the Lady Bears hit the road on Sunday, Oct. 25, for another AAC matchup at St. Andrews University.