Kara Waishwell celebrates Reese Anderson
Steve Woltmann Photography
0
Wheaton (IL) WC (6-10-3, 4-2-2)
3
Winner North Central (IL) NCC (15-0-1, 7-0-1)
Wheaton (IL) WC
(6-10-3, 4-2-2)
0
Final
3
North Central (IL) NCC
(15-0-1, 7-0-1)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Wheaton (IL) WC 0 0 0
North Central (IL) NCC 3 0 3

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Women’s Soccer Advances to CCIW Tournament Final

Contact: Taiah Gallisath-Poklop, Associate Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5302

Nov. 4, 2026 – The North Central College women's soccer team used an early spark in the first half to open its CCIW Tournament run, as the Cardinals finished with a 3-0 victory over Wheaton College Wednesday evening at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

The Cardinals scored three times in a span of just over eight minutes to take control of the contest and secure their spot in the CCIW Tournament Championship match for the fourth consecutive season.

North Central broke through in the 23rd minute when Kara Waishwell sent a ball into the box for Reese Anderson, who redirected it into the back of the net for her eighth goal of the season to give the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage.

Just under two minutes later, the Cardinals doubled their lead. Following a throw-in from Gabriella Mattio, Anderson quickly moved the ball to Baylee Burbidge, who fired a shot from approximately 25 yards out to find the back of the net and make it 2-0.

North Central added one more before halftime in the 31st minute. Madison DeVriendt put a shot on goal that was initially stopped by the Wheaton goalkeeper before deflecting off the post. Sissi Loza was in position on the opposite side of the box to collect the rebound and finish the play, giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead heading into the break.

North Central controlled the opening 45 minutes, outshooting Wheaton 10-0 while putting six shots on target. The Cardinals also earned three corner kicks compared to one for the Thunder, keeping the pressure on the Wheaton defense throughout the half.

The Cardinals continued to dictate the pace in the second half, recording 11 more shots while limiting Wheaton to just three attempts. North Central goalkeeper Emma Megerle made her lone save of the evening in the 59th minute to preserve the shutout as the Cardinals maintained their three-goal advantage through the final whistle.

North Central finished the contest with a commanding 21-3 advantage in shots, including a 9-1 edge in shots on goal. The Cardinals also held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks. Megerle recorded one save in goal to earn the shutout.

North Central improves to 15-0-1 overall and 7-0-1 in College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin play.

The Cardinals will host No. 2 seed Elmhurst University on Saturday, Nov. 7, for the CCIW Tournament Championship match at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. Elmhurst advanced to the final via a 5-4 penalty kick shootout after playing to a scoreless draw through regulation. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
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