KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (April 3, 2026) – On Friday, the Truett McConnell University softball team split an Appalachian Athletic Conference doubleheader against Johnson University (Tenn.), falling 1-0 in Game 1 before bouncing back for a 4-2 victory in Game 2. TMU rises to an overall record of 21-12, 10-6 in AAC. 

GAME 1

TMU 0 - JU 1

Both teams were locked in defensively from the start, with neither side able to generate consistent offense. Truett struggled to string together hits and left limited opportunities on base, ultimately being held scoreless for the game. The lone run came from Johnson in the bottom of the eighth inning to walk it off.

Gabby Hughes kept the Bears within striking distance the entire way, turning in a strong performance in the circle and limiting damage throughout. Truett stayed competitive from first pitch to final out, but couldn't find the timely hit needed to break through in a low-scoring contest, ultimately falling 1–0 in a true pitcher's duel.

GAME 2 

TMU 4 - JU 2

After a scoreless first inning, Truett McConnell struck first in the second as Emma Skipper singled up the middle to score Mackenzie Heim. The Lady Bears held the Royals in order to break the game open in the third. Seniors, Cassie Boatright and Grace Folds blasted back-to-back solo home runs to put TMU ahead 3-0. In that same inning, with runners at first and third, Maggie McGaughey drove in Morgan Kacalek with a single to left-field. With the Lady Bears sitting at 4-0, Johnson quickly responded, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third.

In the circle, Truett McConnell held firm after the third inning, shutting down Johnson the rest of the way to preserve the 4-2 victory. The pitching staff limited further damage and closed out the game with composure, securing the conference win. 

LEADERS

Folds led the day offensively, recording multiple hits including a double and a homerun, while Boatright added a game changing homerun as well. McGaughey and Skipper contributed an RBI each to help secure the win for TMU. 

Elizabeth Bennett earned the win for game two, throwing a complete game allowing two runs off of five hits with three strikeouts. 

UP NEXT 

The Lady Bears are set to face Spartanburg Methodist College on Friday, April 10 for an AAC doubleheader match-up. Game one is set for 1:00 p.m.