FOLEY, Ala. (November 28, 2023) – On Tuesday, the No. 20 Truett McConnell University women's soccer team traveled to compete at the final site of the NAIA National Championships Sweet 16 against (RV) Life University. The Lady Bears showed their grit throughout all of regulation against the Running Eagles as both teams fought to claim the win, when second half goals by the opposing team ultimately left TMU behind with a final score of 2-1. TMU concludes their historical season with an overall record of 18-3-2, while LU rises to an overall record of 15-4-2 and continues to fight for a national title.
"I will remember this season with a lot of fondness," said Head Coach David McDowell. "We made history by making it to the final site and we did it with an amazing group of girls who gave their everything to this program. Today did not go the way we would have liked but I am very proud of this team. They are a great group of girls and I have loved spending time with them. I wish we could have gone further but we have made some special moments this season and we will build on this. We will miss our seniors and graduates immensely, but we know the future is bright with the foundation they have set. They have poured their hearts and souls into this team and I am so grateful for them. Their legacy will be that they gave and they loved."
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first half, both teams fought for control as a shot by LU, saved by keeper Emelie Taylor, attempted to take the lead. TMU quickly responded with a shot on goal by Kristin Beasley that was ultimately unable to find the back of the net. The Lady Bears continued to work together to hit the board, as Eliska Dvorakova had a good look at goal with a shot of her own that went just high, entering the half with the score remaining 0-0.
The second half saw a change in pace for the Running Eagles as LU found the back of the net early on (0-1). TMU continued to defend the box, when a corner kick by the opposing team ultimately connected to a header goal by LU (0-2). The Lady Bears answered in the 67th minute with a goal by Isabella Hodson, to reduce the margin to one (1-2). Final shots by Dvorakova and Kayla Boggess in the remaining minutes of regulation attempted to tie the game, but were ultimately not enough as the Lady Bears concluded their season to a final score 1-2.
LEADERS
Hodson led the way for the Lady Bears with one goal on the day. Dvorakova followed with five shots, while Beasley and Boggess recorded one shot apiece.
