The WashU women’s soccer team celebrates its penalty shootout victory against the University of Chicago. (Courtesy of Brian Bishop Photography)

After defeating the No. 7 University of Chicago in penalty kicks, the No. 1 WashU women’s soccer team is advancing to the national championship game for the third year in a row. The Bears will play their University Athletic Association (UAA) rivals from Atlanta, No. 2 Emory University, in the national championship on Saturday, Dec. 6. 

Head coach Jim Conlon made it clear that WashU’s fight is not over, and there is still more work to be done. 

“We’ll enjoy this win and advancement, but really try and start getting our bodies back physically tonight, but emotionally, let them celebrate this, and then we’ll get back to work tomorrow,” Conlon said postgame.

WashU and Emory were neck-and-neck throughout the season, each team dominating their opponents consistently. The lone blemish to Emory’s 21-win regular season record came at the hands of WashU. When the two teams played each other on Oct. 26, Emory was ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation while WashU ranked second. WashU won 2-1 with an 81st-minute goal from sophomore forward Olivia Clemons, but Emory played a tougher game than most opponents WashU faced this season.  

Last season, the Eagles fell in the Final Four to William Smith College, who WashU ultimately beat to win the national championship. This season, Emory’s tournament run has been dominant, and they made their first national championship game since 2012. Throughout their five tournament games thus far, Emory has not trailed for a single minute. The Eagles shut out both Belhaven University and Rhodes College to advance to the Sweet 16. There, the Eagles continued their streak with a 3-1 victory over the No. 19 Johns Hopkins University. Emory’s win over the No. 7 Pomona-Pitzer Colleges sent them to the Final Four, where they secured the win over Tufts, 3-0. 

Emory’s offense is led by junior forward and first-team All-American Kaitlyn Nimmer, who has 13 goals and 11 assists so far this season, and sophomore forward Mikayla Camp, with 11 goals. Junior midfielder and defender Madison Teng has also been a key presence on their offense, contributing seven goals and seven assists. With senior and first-team All-American Michelle Davidson leading the back line, the Eagles’ defense has been formidable; the team conceded more than one goal just twice this year.

“It’s going to be a great game with two fantastic teams,” Emory head coach Sue Patberg said. “I think one of the most exciting things is that people are paying attention. … I think this is going to be one of the best showcases of Division III, and I think you’re going to see more great soccer on Saturday.”     

Saturday’s matchup represents a massive clash between two dominant conference rivals who have had no issue scoring this year. The Bears’ forward line and its stars Clemons, senior Grace Ehlert, and senior Ella Koleno must be in top form to get past the Eagles’ defense. To stop a potent Emory attack that isn’t afraid to shoot from long-range, the WashU midfield, led by WashU junior Sophie Viscovich and sophomore Kate Martin, must dominate the game. 

WashU will look to win back-to-back championships this Saturday at 11 a.m. Central Time at Kerr Stadium in Salem, Virginia. The game will be streamed for free on the NCAA website.