CLEVELAND, Ga. (December 2, 2025) – On Tuesday, the No. 10 seeded Truett McConnell University women's soccer team traveled to compete in the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Round of 16 against No. 7 Grace College (Ind.), where the tense match-up required two overtime periods and ended in a penalty-kick shootout, where the Lady Bears prevailed 4–2 to advance to the program's first-ever NAIA quarterfinal round.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
TMU struck early, taking a 1–0 lead in the fourth minute when Isabella Hodson put away the opening goal to give the Lady Bears immediate momentum. The Lady Bears maintained that advantage deep into the second half with sharp defense, but GC drew level in the 79th minute to make it 1–1. Neither side could break through in the two overtime periods, sending the match to a penalty-kick shootout. In the shootout, TMU made all four of its tries (Isabella Hodson, Erin Ward, Nela Sechterova and Annabel Trauschke), while the Lancers recorded only two, featuring a huge stop by Danica Wittmann that proved decisive in sealing the win.
 
LEADERS
Hodson led the way with one goal, taking two total shots, all on goal. Trauschke followed with four shots, while Peyton Brooks, Ward, Evangelina Seidel and Emma Unterrainer each recorded a shot a piece. Keeper Danica was featured recording five saves.
 
UP NEXT
With this win, the Lady Bears advance into the quarterfinal round of the NAIA National Tournament set for Thursday, December 4 where TMU will face No. 15 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.). Kick-off set for 4:00 p.m. (CST).