Washington Captures Big Ten Title in Emotional Penalty Shootout Win

Nov 10, 2025 84 Views BIG 10 WOMENS SOCCER

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — In a story seemingly written by fate, the 13th-ranked Washington Huskies women’s soccer team claimed the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Championship on Sunday, defeating No. 9 Michigan State 4–1 in penalties at Energizer Park.

The victory secures Washington’s first-ever Big Ten Tournament title — and the league double — capping an emotional week for the program following the passing of beloved teammate Mia Hamant, who courageously battled stage 4 kidney cancer.

“This week has been incredibly hard, but it shows how much this team loves and fights for each other — and for Mia,” said head coach Nicole Van Dyke. “She’s with us in everything we do. I’m so proud of this group and everything they’ve overcome.”

Fast Start and Fierce Battle

The Huskies struck early, taking a 1–0 lead less than four minutes into the match when senior Kalea Eichenberger fired home a rebound from the top of the box for her second goal of the season.

Michigan State quickly answered in the 11th minute after a VAR review awarded a penalty. Kayla Briggs converted from the spot to level the score at 1–1.

From there, both sides dug in defensively through 100 tense minutes. Sophomore goalkeeper Tanner Ijams delivered a career performance with six saves, including several clutch stops in the second half to keep Washington in it.

Huskies Triumph in Penalties

With the score locked at 1–1 after extra time, the championship was decided from the spot.Washington’s Jadyn Holdenried, Laura Cetina, Alex Buck, and Julia Hüsch all converted their kicks, while Ijams turned away two Spartan attempts to seal the 4–1 shootout victory.

Holdenried opened the shootout by revealing a “For Mia” message on her undershirt after scoring, setting the tone for an inspired finish. Hüsch buried the decisive kick to spark an emotional celebration as teammates sprinted toward midfield in tears of joy.

Honors and History

Junior forward Samiah Shell was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after a standout postseason performance, while Buck and Ijams earned All-Tournament Team honors.

“This team had something to prove from the start,” said Ijams. “We were underdogs, but we believed. Now we’ve got two trophies and we’re not done yet.”

The win marked Washington’s second Big Ten title in three weeks, firmly establishing the Huskies as the conference’s top program.

2025 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament Most Outstanding Player

Samiah Shell, Jr., MF, Washington

2025 Big Ten Women’s Soccer All-Tournament TeamLia Howard, Sr., F, IllinoisSofia Bush, Jr., MF, IowaEmerson Sargeant, R-Jr., MF, Michigan StateMegan Norkett, Jr., F, NorthwesternAva Bramblett, Jr., MF/D, Ohio StateMackenzie Gress, R-Jr., GK, Penn StateEmma Egizii, R-Sr., MF, UCLAEdra Bello, Fr., D, USCTanner Ijams, So., GK, WashingtonAlex Buck, So., F/D, WashingtonAdee Boer, Gr., MF/D, Wisconsin

Next Up

With the championship, Washington earns the Big Ten’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The 64-team bracket will be revealed during Monday’s NCAA Selection Show at 1:00 p.m. PT on NCAA.com.

“Husky Nation lives strong,” Van Dyke said. “We’re bringing two trophies back to Seattle — and we’re not finished yet.”