Reinhardt Hangs On To Win Women's Soccer Championship
WALESKA, Ga. - Despite building a seemingly comfortable lead, Reinhardt had to hold on to win the 2021 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament championship as it defeated second-seeded Truett McConnell 3-2 on Saturday.
No. 1 seed Reinhardt took a 2-0 lead in the first half on a pair of Lauren Akemon goals. Ryelyn Wells got in on the act in the 51st minute, giving Reinhardt a 3-0 lead.
However, Truett McConnell fought back, cutting the margin to 3-1 in the 58th minute when Amayia Lukie found the back of the net. Sydney League followed with a tally in the 72nd minute to make it a 3-2 contest.
Truett McConnell tried to maintain the pressure during the final minutes but did not manage to get another shot on goal as Reinhard held on for the win and the championship.
In addition to scoring the game-winner, Wells had two assists in the game as she was named the Tournament MVP. Joining her on the All-Tournament Team are Caroline Johnson, Ashley Frye, and Adriana Garcia of Reinhardt; Eliska Dvorakova, League, and Brianna Hernandez of Truett McConnell; Payton Landy and Isabel Aguilar of Montreat; and Keiry Bonilla and Jasmine Mathis of Point.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Nov. 2 (at the higher seed's home site)
Game 1 - No. 7 Columbia (9-6) def. No. 10 Brenau (5-9-1), 1-0
Game 2 - No. 8 Bryan (8-7-1) def. No. 9 Columbia International (9-10), 1-0 (2OT)
Saturday, Nov. 6 (at the higher seed's home site)
Game 3 - No. 1 Reinhardt (15-2) def. No. 8 Bryan (8-8-1), 5-0
Game 4 - No. 2 Truett McConnell (17-2) def. No. 7 Columbia (9-7), 9-0
Game 5 - No. 3 Montreat (13-3) def. No. 6 Milligan (9-7-1), 1-0
Game 6 - No. 5 Point (11-7-1) def. No. 4 Tennessee Wesleyan (13-5-1), 2-1
Wednesday, Nov. 10 (at the higher seed's home site)
Game 7 - No. 1 Reinhardt (16-2) def. No. 5 Point (11-8-1), 3-0
Game 8 - No. 2 Truett McConnell (18-2) def. No. 3 Montreat (13-4), 6-1
Saturday, Nov. 13 - Championship Game (at the higher seed's home site)
Game 9 - No. 1 Reinhardt (16-2) def. No. 2 Truett McConnell (18-3), 3-2