UC Santa Cruz Women's Soccer Team Ends Christopher Newport's Historic Unbeaten Streak at 84 in C2C Final

A Decisive Victory

The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Kerr Stadium in Salem, Virginia, and was a closely contested affair. The Banana Slugs took the lead in the 35th minute when Sarah Clark scored off an assist from Hannah Stephens. They extended their lead in the 65th minute when Bethany Hiatt scored an unassisted goal.

The Captains, who entered the game as the top-ranked team in Division III, had not lost a game since September 15, 2018. Their unbeaten streak was the longest active streak in all of NCAA Division III women's soccer and was the second-longest unbeaten streak in NCAA Division III history.

Slug Defense Holds Strong

The Banana Slugs' defense was outstanding throughout the game. They held the Captains to just four shots on goal and did not allow a single corner kick.

Goalkeeper Julia DeVere made three saves to earn the shutout. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament after allowing just one goal in three games.

A Historic Championship

The victory is the first NCAA Division III women's soccer championship in UC Santa Cruz history. It is also the first national championship for any UC Santa Cruz team since the Banana Slugs' men's volleyball team won the NCAA Division III title in 2005.

The Banana Slugs finished the season with a record of 21-1-2, while the Captains finished with a record of 21-1-1.