The Official Athletics Site of Truett McConnel University

KINGSPORT, TENN. (May 1, 2026) – On Friday, the Truett McConnell University softball team made history claiming their second Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament Championship in program history while making even more history with the program's first-ever undefeated championship-run. The Lady Bears entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed, ultimately upsetting every component faced going 4-0 on the week. Along with the title, TMU punched their ticket with a berth to the NAIA National Tournament. 

 

PLAY-BY-PLAYS

 

GAME 1 

TMU 12 BU 7

On Monday, No. 6 seeded Truett McConnell faced No. 3 Seeded Brenau University for the first round of the AAC Tournament. Elizabeth Bennett recorded her first tournament start on the mound, throwing 6.2 innings and five strikeouts. Morgan Kacalek encouraged the first run on the board, grounding out to second to score Emme Souter. The Tigers responded quickly, matching the run, but TMU wasted no time taking charge of the game. Souter, Emma Skipper, Rylee Walker, and Reagan Chizek all delivered key hits that put the Lady Bears ahead. Notably, Grace Folds led the way going three for three with five RBIs, and Kacalek who launched a two-run homer to seal the deal. Truett McConnell finished the day taking home their first win of the week, triumphing over Brenau 12-7. 

 

GAME 2 

TMU 8 MC 0

On Wednesday, TMU faced and dominated No. 7 seeded Milligan College to keep their place in the winners bracket. Bennett returned to the mound throwing five innings, allowing three hits, zero runs, and recording seven strikeouts. Lead scorers included R. Walker, Kacalek, and Chizek, seeing Folds go three for three once again with one RBI. With the Lady Bears up 7-0 in the 5th inning, Freshman Maggie McGaughey delivers a walk-off single up the middle to complete the run-rule win against MC, 8-0. TMU remains undefeated, 2-0, in the winners bracket. 

 

GAME 3 

TMU 3 BC 2

On Thursday, Truett McConnell went head to head with the only other undefeated team in the tournament, No. 4 seeded Bryan College. Bennett made her third appearance on the mound for the week throwing four innings, allowing one run, and one strikeout. Gabby Hughes makes her way to the circle in the 5th inning to relieve Bennett after her 16 inning run. Hughes finished the game allowing two hits and one run. Both teams remained scoreless until the 4th inning when Folds delivered a momentum changing solo-home run to put the bears ahead. The Lions took the pressure and put a run of their own across the board to tie the game 1-1. In extra-innings, the Lady Bears did not waste time taking the lead. Souter's single up the middle allowed Georgia Patton to cross the plate, putting TMU up 2-1. Truett McConnell did not stop there. R. Walker singled through the left side scoring Souter, making the score a daunting 3-1 in the top of the 8th. BC made a solid effort to come back in the bottom putting a run on the board, but ultimately Hughes remained constant in the circle and caused a line out to short-stop, where Cassie Boatright made the final out to send the Lady Bears to the Championship, 3-2. 

 

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 

TMU 3 RU 0

On Friday, a legendary match-up occurred between the Truett McConnell Lady Bears and the No. 2 seeded Reinhardt Eagles. The Eagles entered the tournament with a first-round bye, but unfortunately found themselves in the losers bracket once competition began. They had a remarkable run to make it back to the winners bracket and find themselves in the championship game. At this point, TMU remains undefeated and requires one more win to receive the AAC Champion title. 

Inning after inning, both teams proved their commitment to the game, with each pitcher throwing their absolute best. The game remained scoreless, until the 5th inning, where Skipper delivered an impressive triple over center field to give TMU the fire they needed. Avery Walker uses the momentum to fire a single down the left-field line to score the Lady Bears' first run. RU made an effort putting runners in scoring position, but could not manage a run. The top of the 6th saw TMU using their previous momentum to secure the win. R. Walker launched a solo homerun to right field. Folds earns herself a walk, and later on advances to third on a single by Kacalek. Folds scores on a wild-pitch, and joins her team as they await the final inning. Hughes manages a masterful closing, causing three straight pop ups, with Skipper making the last out of the game. Truett McConnell becomes the 2026 AAC Champions. 

 

Words from the coaches: 

 

"As a coach it's amazing to see the team accomplish their on field goals that they worked so hard for. The team did a great job buying into the mental toughness it takes to win the tournament and also playing for each other. Every player played a major role in this championship run and I am very proud of them for that. To be able to represent the university and the conference on the national stage is a great privilege and we are excited for the opportunity to not only represent the university and conference but to stay together as a team for a bit longer. We want to thank everyone for their support this past week from the university, Jenni Shepard our AD, to the baseball team coming out to watch and all the families who stuck with us all week, we can't thank everyone enough. Excited to get back to work next week and as always Go Bears!" 

- Head Coach Dylan Reichenberg

 

"I'm so proud of these girls on and off the field but this week was something different! They played for each other and it was so much fun to watch. They are so deserving of the win because of the people they are and how hard they work!" 

- Assistant Coach Peyton Moore

 

AWARDS 

 

Earlier on in the week six members of the Truett McConnell Softball team were given All-Conference Honors. 

 

First Team All-Conference 

• Cassie Boatright 

• Grace Folds 

Second Team All-Conference 

• Morgan Kacalek 

• Emma Skipper 

• Reagan Chizek 

Champions of Character Team

• Georgia Patton

 

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

• Elizabeth Bennett 

• Rylee Walker 

• Emma Skipper 

AAC TOURNAMENT MVP

• Grace Folds 

 

UP NEXT 

The Lady Bears punched their ticket with a berth to the NAIA National Tournament and await word on where they will compete in the opening round.