BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College women's soccer team hosted the No. 7-ranked Truett McConnell University Bears on Saturday afternoon for the squad's 2026 home and Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) openers. Scoring a trio of goals within a three-minute sequence, the visitors utilized a strong start to walk out of Pulliam Stadium with a 4-0 league triumph. Following the result, the Cavaliers moved to 0-2-0 (0-1-0 AAC) on the year, while TMU improved to 2-1-1 (1-0-0 AAC).
An early surge put the Bears out in front by three less than 11 minutes into the contest. The seventh-ranked team in the nation started the scoring at the 7:43 mark, and it doubled its advantage just 44 seconds later. In the 11
th minute, Truett McConnell tacked on a third tally, establishing a swift 3-0 edge on the scoreboard.
Montreat settled in defensively for a stretch, with
Anna Weissenfluh making a diving stop in the 19
th minute; however, TMU broke through with a fourth strike in the 28
th minute, and it carried a 4-0 lead into the intermission.
The Cavs held Truett McConnell scoreless in the second period, thanks in large part to Weissenfluh saving a penalty kick for the second time in as many matches.
Natalie Hall attempted her squad's first shot of the afternoon in the 54
th minute, and
Kesley Stewart had a try blocked with 8:58 remaining. Unfortunately for the home side, the attack couldn't muster a shot on target over the course of 90 minutes. The Bears ultimately left Black Mountain, N.C., with a 4-0 road victory.
TMU maintained the upper hand in total shots (14-2), shots on goal (9-0) and corner kicks (7-2). Montreat registered more saves (5-0) and fouls (9-7) on the day.
Hall and Stewart recorded the Cavaliers' two shot attempts in the matchup.
Maddie Ellis and
Leigh Harpel each took a corner for the hosts during the second half. Weissenfluh started in net and delivered five saves.
"Consistency is what it takes to become a top-tier program," said Head Coach
Kristin Eggert. Truett McConnell demonstrated that today from the first to the final whistle."
The Montreat College women's soccer team remains home for its next action on Wednesday, Sept. 16, versus the Union Commonwealth University Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. in Black Mountain, N.C.
