Bears Slide by Eagles in Overtime, 2-1

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – The preseason pick to win the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) was pushed to the brink in the season opener by Reinhardt at Ken White Field at University Stadium on Wednesday night, as Truett McConnell (Ga.) escaped in overtime with a 2-1 victory.

The score in the final minutes of the first extra period hit the left side of the net at 98:38 and sent the Bears into celebration and the Eagles to 0-1.

"Our team is very disappointed," head coach Andy Kaplan said. "This is as talented a group as we have ever had at Reinhardt. Overall, I think we played very well. We made three mistakes and the other team capitalized on two of them. I think we created enough chances that we should have been able to score a couple more goals.

"We will learn from tonight and be a better team tomorrow."

The hometown squad was able to jump out on top in the first half compliments of Brianna Smotherman's goal in the 14^th minute where she was able to beat the goalkeeper for the opening tally of the 2020 campaign.

Both teams would stay quiet on the scoreboard until the opening minutes of the second half where Truett McConnell was able to knot things up at 1-1 at 47:31.

Reinhardt – along with the Bears – each had opportunities to grab the lead as regulation continued on, but neither could capitalize. Both programs had more chances in overtime, but it was Truett-McConnell that made its shot count the most.

The Eagles outshot their visitors, 16-12, as Adriana Garcia totaled a team-high four shots. Channing Pantano notched a trio of attempts.

Caroline Johnson made three saves in 98:38 in defeat.

The team is back on its home field on Saturday afternoon against the Cavaliers of Montreat (N.C.) for another AAC tilt beginning at 2 p.m. 

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