BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College women's lacrosse team fell 17-10 to Truett McConnell University in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup on Saturday afternoon at Pulliam Stadium. Despite a strong senior day performance from Grace Wiegand, the Bears' offense proved to be too much for the Cavaliers to overcome. With the result, Montreat moved to 3-4 (0-1 AAC) on the season, while TMU improved to 2-3 (1-0 AAC).
Montreat set the tone early, applying pressure on the offensive end to open the contest. Wiegand found the back of the net at the 12:38 mark before converting on a free-position opportunity just over a minute later to give the Cavs a swift 2-0 advantage. Truett McConnell answered, however, gradually building momentum and leveling the score at 3-3 just before the midpoint of the opening quarter. Wiegand added her third goal of the period with 8:21 remaining, but a late scoring surge from the Bears allowed the visitors to carry a 5-3 lead into the second frame.
The Cavaliers generated momentum early in the second quarter when Marley Smith scored with just over ten minutes remaining in the frame, trimming the deficit to two (6-4). A little over two minutes later, Wiegand struck again to bring Montreat within one. TMU responded with a quick run of goals to stretch its advantage, but the Cavs answered late in the period as Wiegand capitalized on a player-up opportunity with 73 seconds remaining. The Bears maintained the edge heading into halftime, leading 9-6.
After the visitors poured in three consecutive strikes to begin the third quarter, Montreat mounted a strong push in an effort to close the gap. Ruthann Stout sparked the rally with a goal at the 5:18 mark, finishing off an assist from Wiegand. Moments later, Wiegand added another score with 2:19 remaining to continue the Cavaliers' offensive surge. Stout followed with her second tally of the day, converting a pass from Smith with under 90 seconds left to slash the deficit down to 12-9. Truett McConnell responded with a pair of late goals to halt the momentum and entered the final quarter ahead, 14-9.
The Cavaliers were unable to regain momentum in the closing period. Despite battling through several turnovers and two green cards, Montreat continued to compete down the stretch. Wiegand added a late goal with 2:24 remaining to record her 44th of the season, but TMU capitalized on its opportunities and added three goals in the quarter to secure the 17-10 victory.
Overall, the Bears held advantages in shots (44-37), turnovers forced (25-19), ground balls (24-22) and successful clears (23-19). Montreat controlled the midfield circle, however, finishing with a 17-12 edge in draw controls.
Wiegand led the Cavs offensively with seven goals and an assist. Stout added two goals, including a player-up tally, while Smith contributed one goal and one assist. In net, Anastasia Rust delivered a strong effort, recording 16 saves while facing 33 shots on target.
Montreat returns to action on Saturday, March 21, when it hosts (RV) Georgetown College at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C. Opening draw is scheduled for 6 p.m.
