Wichita, KS-
The Oklahoma Wesleyan Lady Eagles are once again KCAC Tournament Champions after a dramatic showdown with Friends University that came down to penalty kicks. Following a scoreless 110 minutes of regulation and overtime, the Eagles prevailed 4–3 in the shootout to capture the 2025 KCAC Tournament title.
The championship rematch carried extra meaning for Oklahoma Wesleyan, who fell to Friends on penalty kicks in last year's final. This time, the Eagles flipped the script.
The match began as a defensive battle with both teams trading early chances. Oklahoma Wesleyan outshot Friends 4–2 in the first half as Tessa Edwards and Laura Gieseler forced early saves from Falcons goalkeeper Morgan Wilkinson. Meanwhile, OKWU's defense, anchored by Elise Lofnertz, Kristen Bruhns, and goalkeeper Alessandra Martinez, held firm to keep things scoreless heading into halftime.
Friends pushed forward in the second half, recording eight shots to the Eagles' two, but Martinez made several crucial saves to keep the match even. OKWU nearly broke through late when Ana Chavez rose for a header off a Linn Joelsson corner in the 83rd minute, sending it just over the crossbar.
Neither side could capitalize through two overtime periods, sending the final to a penalty shootout just as it had one year ago.
In the shootout, Wendy Jimenez opened with a confident strike to set the tone for the Eagles. Elise Lofnertz, Ana Chavez, and Frederiekke Nielsen followed with composed finishes, while Martinez came up clutch once again by denying the Falcons' final attempt to secure the 4–3 win.
Martinez finished with four saves in regulation and overtime, earning the shutout. Wilkinson tallied five saves for Friends in a defensive duel that showcased the best of KCAC soccer.
With the victory, Oklahoma Wesleyan improves to 18-1-2 overall, reclaiming the KCAC Tournament crown and avenging last year's championship loss to Friends.
Congratulations to the Lady Eagles on an incredible season and their 2025 KCAC Tournament Championship victory! Be on the lookout as the Eagles continue their journey in the NAIA National Tournament.
