MONTREAT, N.C. (Apr. 15, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University women's lacrosse team competed in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament for the first time in program history on Thursday afternoon. The Lady Bears fell 19-11 to Asbury College in the AAC opening round, which concluded TMU's season (4-5, 4-4 AAC). Last time they met in the regular season, the Lady Bears came out on top 18-17.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
It took seven minutes for either team to find the back of the net. Asbury scored on a free position shot to get up on the board first (1-0) but seven minutes later, Holly Foster matched it (1-1), also on a free position. Both teams went back and forth with a tied score at 4-4 until the Lady Bears took off the final six minutes of the first half to possess a three-goal advantage at halftime (8-5).
 
The Eagles, however, picked up the pace in the second half. TMU possessed the lead for the first eight minutes of the second half until Asbury tied it up with 22:31 to go (10-10), and it was up from there for Asbury. The Eagles ultimately outscored 14-3 in the second half to clinch the win by eight (11-19) to advance to the semifinals.
 
COACH'S COMMENTS
"Today was a great day for lacrosse and an even more enjoyable experience to watch this TMU lacrosse team play in an AAC playoff game," Head Coach Channing Hoyt said. "There are strong foundations in this group, and I am thankful for their daily effort and sacrifice to give their all and play till the end. Hard work does work. The memories created this year will stay with us and continue to build a program that plays as a team but ultimately provide the world with future leaders that live their lives in Jesus' footsteps. May they be on wings like eagles and follow the one true God."
 
LEADERS
Overall, Asbury recorded a total of 40 shots in comparison to TMU's 34. The Eagles also had 16 draw controls, while the Lady Bears had 12. Holly Foster individually led the way with five goals and 14 shots, 10 on target. Holly also had five ground balls and three draw controls. Carter Culverhouse had five goals, eight shots with seven on goal, five ground balls and four draw controls. Hope Foster led with five draw controls and added three ground balls. Cameron Lee added two goals and six shots. Sophie Beach was credited two assists. Goalkeeper Madison Franklin recorded a total of nine saves on the day.