CLEVELAND, Ga. — CIU women's soccer dropped its first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) match of the season on Wednesday, falling 3–1 to No. 13 Truett McConnell at the TMU Soccer Complex.

The Rams (10–2–1, 6–1–1 AAC) battled the nationally ranked Bears throughout the contest and pulled within one goal late in the second half before the hosts secured the win in the closing minutes.

Truett McConnell took a 1–0 lead late in the first half and extended its advantage midway through the second. CIU continued to press forward, breaking through in the 80th minute as Marisa Dill capitalized on a scoring opportunity to bring the Rams within 2–1. However, the Bears responded less than two minutes later to close out the match.

Goalkeeper Hailey Resetar recorded five saves while facing 16 shots, anchoring a CIU defense that held firm for much of the contest. Zamaria Baugh and Dill led CIU with two shots each, while the Rams matched Truett McConnell with three corner kicks.

Despite the setback, CIU remains among the AAC's top programs with a 6–1–1 conference record.

The Rams return home on Saturday, Oct. 11, to host Milligan University at 3:00 p.m. ET.