CLEVELAND, Ga. – No. 8 Truett McConnell women's soccer faces another tough test early on as they travel to Williamsburg, Ky. to take on No. 2 University of the Cumberlands Thursday, Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex.
 
The Lady Bears and Patriots meet for the seventh time since 2013, where the latter has the 4-2 advantage in the series. TMU claimed victory in the last matchup between the two teams, a 3-0 shutout in Cleveland on Oct. 11, 2025.
 
UC was the runner-up in last year's NAIA tournament after a 1-1 draw ended in a penalty shootout, where champion Keiser won 3-2. The Patriots compiled a 17-5-3 overall record with a 4-2 mark in Mid-South Conference play. They were also the runner-up in the conference tournament, losing 2-1 in an overtime thriller to Campbellsville.
 
The team from Williamsburg started the 2026 season on the right foot, defeating Appalachian Athletic Conference member Union Commonwealth in a 3-0 shutout. It grabbed all three goals in the first half, with scorers being Tori Robertson, Lisa Skjoldager and Carmen Villa. The Patriots also held dominance defensively, holding the Bulldogs to zero total shots. Laura Bosca contributed to the scoring with three shots and one assist in the match.
 
Truett stands at 1-0 after a 1-0 victory over SCAD-Savannah last Thursday. Agathe Braud represented the lone goal, part of her two shots on target for the day. The goalkeeper duo of Leire Rodriguez Najera and Noa del Rio combined for a shutout with four total saves between the two. Isabella Hodson also put forward three shots on the day.
 
Thursday's contest will be the first of three road games for the Lady Bears. They also must travel to No. 17 Southeastern University and Montreat for their AAC opener.