“I couldn’t be more proud of the senior leadership this year and, while it would’ve been great for the seniors to go out with a third conference championship, I’m really proud of this entire team and everything they’ve accomplished this year,” said head coach Julie Woodward. “Utah Valley, as I said before, is a great team and I knew it was going to be competitive going into it. It’s on days like this that finishing your opportunities is what makes a difference, and they did that today. They’re a good team and I think they’ll represent our conference well in the NCAA tournament.”
One of Seattle U’s best chances came less than 10 minutes into the second half when Wolverine keeper Jessica Duffin came out of the Utah Valley goal, but the misdirected Redhawk shot flew wide right of the net.
In the 55th minute, Stephanie Spiekerman (Seattle, Wash.) served a dangerous free kick after Duffin received a yellow card, but it was cleared from the box.
Taylor Kirk scored the game-winner off a turnover in the 19th minute while Sara Callister scored the insurance goal on an assist from Kirk.
Seattle U ends a record-breaking season in which they won their third straight WAC regular season title, undefeated in conference play. Heading into today’s title game, the Redhawks had the longest undefeated streak in the nation with 16 games.
The Redhawks say goodbye to their six member graduating class – Julia Moravec (Spokane, Wash.), Kelly Beck (Tacoma, Wash.), Kiana Kraft (Kent, Wash.), Stephanie Conard (Everett, Wash.), Brianna Smallidge (Port Orchard, Wash.) and Sarah Coluccio (Seattle, Wash.). WAC Offensive Player of the Year Moravec leaves Seattle U tied for second in SU’s single season Division I assists with 12 this season.
Beck, Moravec, and Karli White (North Bend, Wash.) represented Seattle U on the All-Tournament team.
Seattle U looks to return to the WAC title game and to the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years in 2016.