The Bears will play their University Athletic Association (UAA) rivals from Atlanta, No. 2 Emory University, in the national championship on Saturday, Dec. 6.

In every moment where the Bears looked like they were headed for their first loss in 733 days, the top team in Division III found a way to stay in the game. Now, after eking out the semifinal win, WashU will face No. 2 Emory University in the national championship game Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. central, with WashU seeking its second consecutive national championship and its third in program history. 

With top-20 finishes, both teams outperformed expectations but fell short of a national title. The women’s and men’s teams placed seventh and 16th out of the 32-team field, respectively.

While the field is tough, the Bears are looking ahead to the challenge, and trying not to let their prior success affect their mindset in this year’s tournament. 

However, a strong finish before the half and a dominant third quarter that saw UW–Stout put up 24 unanswered points dampened the Bears’ chances of a win. WashU would ultimately fall to the Blue Devils 31-23 on Nov. 22 in their third-ever Isthmus bowl appearance and final game as a member of the CCIW.

While this loss marked the end of WashU’s season, their tournament was not without success. Both Buckley and Laird were named to the All-Tournament Team after their impressive performances. Most significantly, the Bears made it to the third round — their deepest run since 2016.

The loss doesn’t take away from the Bears’ success this year, but it is a bitter ending to the season. WashU became University Athletic Association (UAA) champions for the first time since 2021 and reached its highest national ranking in program history.

WashU will return to the national semifinals and play the No. 7 University of Chicago on Dec. 4. 

Across two wins over the Nov. 14 weekend, the Bears proved their versatility, showcasing their offensive dominance in one game and displaying their gritty defense in the next.

The Bears secured their first two wins of the season, handily defeating Benedictine University and Elmhurst University to win the tournament for the second consecutive season.