COLUMBUS - Western Michigan captured the 2026 MAC Women's Soccer Championship with a 2-0 victory over Massachusetts on Friday night at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.
This marks the third-straight tournament title for the Broncos. Since 2023, Western Michigan has won a total of seven titles (four regular season and three tournament championships). The Broncos receive the MAC's automatic qualifier and will head to the 2026 NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament. The selection show is set for Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.
The Broncos struck first in the 36th minute when Kaiya Stewart scored her ninth goal of the season off an assist from Irelyn Sheldon. Western Michigan carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime after outshooting the Minutewomen 18-4 in the opening 45 minutes.
Taryn DeShane extended the Broncos' lead in the 63rd minute, scoring an unassisted goal for her second of the season. Reagan Sulaver anchored the Western Michigan defense, finishing with four saves to earn the shutout. All four of her stops came in the second half as Massachusetts looked to get back into the match. Sulaver denied Caroline Dickson in the 51st minute to preserve the one-goal advantage before turning away attempts from Chloe Kundra, Bianca Cardano and Amelia Deren after DeShane doubled the lead. The Minutewomen also threatened in the 81st minute when Nia Hislop struck the crossbar.
Western Michigan finished with a 26-14 advantage in shots, including a 12-4 edge in shots on goal, while also holding a 9-8 advantage in corner kicks. Camryn Huhn led all players with seven shots, four of which were on target. Massachusetts goalkeeper Leah Nisenfeld recorded 10 saves in the loss. The Broncos finished the season 12-4-4 overall and 8-2-1 in MAC play, while Massachusetts closed its season at 12-3-5 overall and 5-1-5 in conference action.
2026 MAC Women’s Soccer All-Tournament Team
Ainsley Schaufele, Ball State
Mary Jane Keller, Ball State
Dominique Popa, Miami
Morhea Hoefen, Miami
Amelia Deren, UMass
Caroline Dickson, UMass
Amanda Schultz, UMass
Taryn DeShane, Western Michigan
Reagan Sulaver, Western Michigan*
Camryn Huh, Western Michigan
Irelyn Sheldon, Western Michigan
Tournament MVP*
