Women's soccer defeats TWU to advance in AAC tournament 

ATHENS, Tenn. (Nov. 6, 2021) – For the first time since 2014, the Point University women's soccer team has advanced to the semifinal round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament after upsetting Tennessee Wesleyan Saturday afternoon 2-1 in the quarterfinal round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament. 

Saturday's victory was the first time in program history that Point has defeated Tennessee Wesleyan in Athens. 

"As expected, this match lived up to the 4 vs. 5 seedings," Head Coach Randy Douglas said. "I thought we played well defensively in the first half and got two quality finishes from Kelly and Keiry to get us a lead. We knew Wesleyan would come out hard and desperate in the second half and that is what happened. They threw everything at us and it got real interesting late. Great job by the backline and Erica for limiting the great chances and coming up big."

Senior Kelly Carlisle recorded the match's first goal in the 29th minute with an assist from Vanessa Lara. Lara fed the ball to Carlisle, who was able to send it in to the left side of the net. Keiry Bonilla followed four minutes later with Point's second goal, with Tamia Jones recording the assist. Bonilla had the ball on the left side of the field and sent it to the right side of the net to send Point into the break leading 2-0. 

Despite Point's early lead, the Bulldogs did not give up as TWU cut Point's lead in half in the 74th minute. Tennessee Wesleyan's late goal did not make Point falter, as the Skyhawks were able to hold its lead for the rest of the matchup. Both defensive front's put up an intense battle, as the Bulldogs did not allow Point to make a shot in the second half and limited Point to only four shots in the first. Tennessee Wesleyan had 13 shots on the day and Point goalie, Erica Burkhardt, recorded seven saves.  

Point has now won seven games in a row. 

The Skyhawks, who entered the AAC tournament as the No. 5 seed, advance to the semifinal round and travel to No. 1 Reinhardt on Wednesday, Nov. 10. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.