Dayton, Tenn. — The Truett-McConnell University women's soccer team traveled to Dayton, Tennessee, and took out the Lady Lions of Bryan College, 1-0 in a semifinal matchup in the AAC Tournament. Earlier in the season, Bryan inched out a 1-0 victory in Dayton, but TMU headed home with a victory and a trip to the conference championship Friday this time around.
The first half was closely contested. TMU took seven shots in the half while Bryan was limited to five, but neither team was able to break the scoreless tie.
The play began to open up in the second half, but still both teams had difficulty finding that first goal. As the half went on, the Lady Bears began to have more opportunities. One of those chances drew a foul, which resulted in a penalty kick being awarded to the Lady Bears in the seventh-eighth minute. Katey Griggs took the PK and scored giving TMU a lead late in the game. Bryan fought hard for an equalizer, but thanks to saves by Ashlyn Walloch and great team play by the Lady Bears' defense, TMU held on to their one goal lead to win the game.
Immediately following the game, Coach David McDowell was speechless. After some time he had great praise for his team. "I'm very proud of the girls. They have battled all season and given so much in every game. They are a joy to coach and I'm so happy for them to play for the championship. Tonight we came up against a very strong and well coached team, but the girls showed their hearts and their courage to get the win. We are excited to go again."
The Lady Bears will take on the Lady Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan In Athens, Tennessee, on Friday
