October 1, 2026
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Truett McConnell Lady Bears continued their impressive season, advancing to the quarterfinal round of the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship on Tuesday after surviving a penalty shootout with Grace College (Ind.). The match ended 1–1 after regulation and two overtime periods before TMU secured a 4–2 win on penalties.
The 10th-ranked Lady Bears struck quickly, as Isabella Hodson opened the scoring in the 4th minute. Grace answered late in the second half when Audrey Abel scored in the 79th minute off an assist from Cassidy Felger.
Both teams threatened to break the deadlock in the closing minutes of regulation, but neither managed to find the back of the net. The 20 minutes of overtime produced more opportunities, but no goals, sending the match to a decisive shootout.
TMU goalkeeper Danica Wittmann and Grace keeper Ivy Cline each made five saves during the match.
In the shootout, Truett McConnell converted four attempts, with Hodson, Erin Ward, Nela Sechterova, and Annabel Trauschke each finding the net. Grace answered with successful kicks from Rosalie Gefrorer and Heidi Kever, but two misses ended their tournament run.
The victory sends the Lady Bears into Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup against Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) on Dec. 4.
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