Women's soccer wins WAC title

Seattle University women’s soccer battled at the University of Washington in an NCAA Tournament match Saturday evening, but the Huskies pulled out a 1-0 decision at Husky Soccer Stadium.

“I’m so proud of the effort of this team,” said Coach Julie Woodward, coaching in her fifth NCAA Tournament since 2013. “The determination and grit was outstanding. It was a great game and a great night for soccer in Seattle.”

Both teams played portions as the better side, with the Redhawks showing well in the early going. A corner kick nearly resulted in a goal, as Leahi Manthei had a chance in close, but the UW defense was there to keep the game scoreless.

Later in the half, Jessie Ray earned a breakaway, but the Washington goalkeeper made a big save as the contest remained even at halftime.

Soon after another Redhawk opportunity went just wide, UW scored in the 56^th minute to grab the lead. SU struggled for a stretch after that, but rallied late, creating several strong chances as the half wore on. The Redhawks put together a stellar build-up, ending with a laser from Ava Benedetti that just missed high over the net.

Seattle U finishes 2019 with a 12-8-2 record, including the WAC regular-season and tournament titles.

Seattle University earned the NCAA Tournament match by outlasting Utah Valley, 2-1, as Jessie Ray scored in the 99th minute to lift the Redhawks to the 2019 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament Championship. Leahi Manthei tied the match late in regulation and then Ray won it in the first OT session as SU claimed its fifth WAC Tournament title and second straight.

Coach Julie Woodward has now won five WAC Tournament crowns to go with five WAC regular-season titles since 2013. This also marked the Redhawks' fifth NCAA Tournament appearance.

Ray earned Tournament MVP honors, while Manthei, Lauren Brown, and Holly Rothering earned all-tournament recognition. 

Ray's goal is the first golden goal in a WAC Championship Game since 2008.