The University Athletic Association (UAA) is one of Division III’s most difficult conferences for women’s soccer, hosting six nationally ranked programs. Currently, the No. 1 WashU women’s soccer team shares the top spot in the UAA with No. 3 Carnegie Mellon University — both with perfect 3-0 conference records.

“The Case weekend is definitely the series we always have circled on our calendar. They’re definitely our biggest in-conference rivals. We were coming back this year with a big chip on our shoulder, a little bit of vengeance.”

“To focus on this win streak is exciting, but it’s not our goal,” Brooks said. “We just want to win every game we can, get better every day as a team, and play for each other.”

Sunday’s win against a UAA-leading Case Western squad, along with a win Friday night against the gritty Carnegie Mellon University Tartans, capped off a season-defining weekend for the Bears.

In the face of adversity, as head coach Pat Juckem said, “our guys haven’t flinched.”

Riding sharp shooting and strong performances from their centerpieces, the Bears improved to 12-8 on the season. 

“In my eyes, we have absolutely no reason not to be the favorites moving forward,” senior Justin Hardy said.

The Bears fell in the first round to Carnegie Mellon University, putting them in the consolation bracket and defeating any hopes of making the NCAA tournament.

The two games moved the Bears to 13-1-1 on the season and dropped them from the third spot in the rankings.

Playoffs are on the horizon and some teams may even contend for top seeds.