Hodson Scores Twice as Truett McConnell Wins AAC Tournament Championship
| 1H | 2H | T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEN | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TRU | 0 | 2 | 2 |
WALESKA, Ga. - Isabella Hodson scored twice in the second half as top-seeded Truett McConnell (18-1-1) defeated No. 3 seed Tennessee Wesleyan (11-4-3) 2-0 to win the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) women's soccer tournament championship Wednesday, Nov. 11, at TMU Soccer Complex in Cleveland, Ga. Hodson was named the Tournament MVP.
Tennessee Wesleyan tested goalkeeper Noa del Rio early, with Iara Tello sending a header on target at 3:02. Del Rio made the save on what proved to be the visitors' only shot on goal. Hodson sent Truett McConnell's first attempt high at 8:35, and the teams reached halftime scoreless with the hosts holding a 2-1 edge in shots.
Hodson broke the tie with an unassisted goal at 69:16, then doubled the lead with another unassisted finish at 77:45. The goals were Hodson's 15th and 16th of the season. Hodson finished with three shots, putting two on target, while Isabelle Allen contributed two attempts for Truett McConnell.
Tennessee Wesleyan sought a late response, but Julie Gopal shot high at 81:27 on the visitors' only attempt of the second half. Four corner kicks between 84:54 and 86:25 also produced no goal, with Samantha Holsenbeck taking the last of that sequence. Tennessee Wesleyan finished with a 6-4 advantage in corners.
Truett McConnell outshot Tennessee Wesleyan 8-2 overall and 6-1 after halftime. Del Rio completed the 90-minute shutout with one save. Ana Martinez allowed both goals before Ella Gilliam entered at 77:45 and played the final 12:15 without facing a shot.
Joining Hodson on the All-Tournament Team were Truett McConnell's Erin Ward, Evangelina Seidel and Joanna Funes. Tennessee Wesleyan placed Olivia Miller, Marta Hernán and Gopal on the team. Claire Cress and Sara Ritter represented Pikeville, while Madison Kitson and Abby Toscani earned recognition from Brenau.
Both finalists earned automatic berths to the NAIA National Championship Tournament. Truett McConnell secured its berth as the AAC regular-season and tournament champion after going 12-0 in conference play. Tennessee Wesleyan, which finished 8-3-1 in the conference, received its berth as the tournament runner-up.
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