CLEVELAND, Ga. (November 8, 2025) — On Saturday the No. 1 seeded Truett McConnell University women's soccer team battled in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament Championship against the No. 2-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan University where the Lady Bears put up a fight but ultimately fell to the Bulldogs 4-2. The Lady Bears currently sit at an overall record of 18-1-1. 
 
The Lady Bears conclude tournament play as AAC Regular Season Champions, finishing undefeated in conference action with a 13–0 record and punching their eighth consecutive ticket to the NAIA National Championship. TMU's season was further highlighted by an impressive collection of postseason accolades. Annabel Trauschke earned Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Golden Boot honors, while Erin Ward and Marisol Esparza were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year. Celiane Pereira received Newcomer of the Year, Head Coach David McDowell was recognized as Coach of the Year and seven Lady Bears recorded All-Conference First Team selections. Additionally, Trauschke, Ward, and Esparza were named to the AAC All-Tournament Team for their standout performances throughout postseason play.
 
PLAY BY PLAY
TMU opened the match strong, finding the back of the net early when Saige Peterson scored in the 17th minute off an assist from Trauschke, giving TMU a 1–0 lead. The Lady Bears maintained control through much of the first half until TWU equalized with a penalty kick goal, sending the match into halftime tied 1–1.
 
In the second half, TWU capitalized on their opportunities, scoring three straight goals to take a 4–1 lead. TMU continued to press offensively when a late ball from Isabella Hodson gave Trauschke an opportunity to find the back of the net, closing the gap to 4–2. TMU continued to fight eager to change the result of the game, but ultimately could not recover falling to a final score of 4-2.
 
LEADERS
Trauschke led the way for the Lady Bears with one goal and one assist, while Peterson followed with one goal and Hodson had one assist.
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears will find out their NAIA Nationals Opening Round site on Friday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m. CST, followed by the opening round of nationals set to begin on Thursday, Nov. 20 – Saturday, Nov. 22.