LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The No. 1 Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team brought home the program's second national title on Sunday with a 3-0 win over William Smith. The Bears wrap the season at 23-0-2, setting new program records for single-season wins (23), single-season winning percentage (.960), unbeaten streak with ties (25) and shutouts (18). It is the first time in program history the Bears have finished the season without a loss.
Washington University in St. Louis Athletics now has 26 national championships in department history.
"It feels great, I'm really proud of these women," said Head Coach
Jim Conlon. "We are fueled by Justin Hardy. William Smith is a fantastic team and we were able to capitalize on some openings. We tip our hats to William Smith, it was a great battle."
First-year
Olivia Clemons finished the Final Four weekend with two goals and was named the All-Tournament Offensive Player while graduate goalkeeper
Sidney Conner, graduate defender
Ally Hackett, junior forward
Grace Ehlert and Clemons were all named to the All-Tournament Team.
After playing a scoreless first half, a William Smith defender was whistled for a foul on Clemons in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Hackett stepped up and ripped the penalty kick into the goal, making it 1-0 for the Bears.
"I was so proud of Liv for drawing that foul, it was great work for our offense," said Hackett. "We've practicing PKs for as long as I can remember. I was just happy to get up there and get the job done for my team."
In the 77
th minute, Clemons scored her team-leading 22
nd goal of the season, putting her in third for single-season goals, all-time. Clemons made it through several defenders and scored past a diving William Smith goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead.
Just over a minute later following a corner kick, senior
Gaelen Clayton corralled the ball in front of the goal and fired in the Bears' third goal of the game.
The Bears out-shot William Smith 20-10 with 10 shots on goal. Both teams had two corner kicks.
WashU remained atop the national rankings all season. After checking in at No. 2 in the preseason poll, the Bears were ranked No. 1 in all the subsequent polls.
