North Central College’s women’s soccer team is one win away from its fourth consecutive College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) tournament championship after defeating Wheaton College 3-0 Wednesday night.
The Cardinals improved to 15-0-1 on the season and advanced to the championship for the fourth straight year. The win adds to an already historic season for North Central, which finished the regular season unbeaten for the first time in program history and claimed its second consecutive outright CCIW regular-season title.
North Central got off to a quick start, scoring all three of its goals within just over an eight-minute stretch in the first half. Reese Anderson opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after redirecting a pass from Kara Waishwell into the net. Less than two minutes later, Baylee Burbidge extended the lead with a shot from approximately 25 yards out, assisted by Anderson and Gabriella Mattio.
The Cardinals continued to build their lead when Sissi Loza scored in the 31st minute after collecting a rebound from Madison DeVriendt’s shot, which hit the post. North Central went into halftime with a 3-0 lead and kept Wheaton scoreless throughout the second half.
Claire Georgees waiting on the thrown on for North Central. (Photo by Camryn Knuth)
North Central also controlled the game offensively, outshooting Wheaton 21-3 and recording nine shots on goal compared to Wheaton’s one. The Cardinals earned eight corner kicks and limited Wheaton to just three shots throughout the game. Goalkeeper Emma Megerle finished with one save as North Central secured the shutout.
Emerging rivalry
North Central enters the championship riding an eight-game winning streak, but its recent matchups against Elmhurst have become increasingly competitive. The Cardinals defeated the Bluejays 7-0 in both 2023 and 2024, but their last two meetings have been much closer. North Central earned a 1-0-win last season before defeating Elmhurst 2-1 earlier this season. While North Central has continued to come out on top, the closer results show how competitive the matchups between the two programs have become.
The Cardinals will now face Elmhurst University in the CCIW tournament championship on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. Elmhurst advanced after defeating Carroll University 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw through overtime. Saturday’s winner will claim the CCIW tournament championship and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament. For North Central, a win means a fourth consecutive conference tournament title and another chance to continue its postseason success. This would further cement North Central’s place among the CCIW’s top programs and adding to its growing championship legacy.
