UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH – Top-seeded John Carroll claimed its first North Coast Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Tournament title with a 1-0 victory over third-seeded Denison in the tournament final on Sunday, Nov. 9.
As tournament champions, the Blue Streaks earned the NCAC's automatic bid into the 2025 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer tournament. John Carroll will be making its third overall appearance in the NCAA tournament. The entire 64-team field will be revealed on Monday, Nov. 10, at 11:00 a.m. on NCAA.com during the selection show.
#1 JOHN CARROLL (13-5-1) 1, #3 DENISON (9-5-5) 0
- Both teams came out strong, trading possessions in the midfield during the opening minutes. Denison nearly struck first in the sixth minute when junior Reily Brinley (Charlotte, NC/Providence Day School) had her shot rattle off the crossbar.
- John Carroll settled in and controlled much of the first-half tempo, outshooting the Big Red 9-3. Senior Emma West (Avon Lake, OH/Avon Lake) and first-year Brooke Berkowitz (Avon Lake, OH/Saint Joseph Academy) each generated multiple chances for the Blue Streaks, forcing several saves from Denison senior goalkeeper Molly Noga (Springboro, OHArchbishop Alter), who tallied six stops in the half to keep the match scoreless.
- The Big Red opened the second half with early pressure, as junior Mattie Mielke (Denver, CO/Colorado Academy) put a shot on frame in the 47th minute that was turned away by John Carroll junior goalkeeper Madeline Martin (Huntsburg, OH/Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin).
- The Blue Streaks broke through in the 61st minute when Berkowitz delivered a high left shot into the back of the net about 20 yards out, giving John Carroll a 1-0 lead.
- Denison continued to battle, with Brinley forcing another save minutes later and the Big Red earning multiple free kicks down the stretch. The Big Red nearly found the equalizer when another Brinley shot in the final seconds was stopped by Martin to secure the shutout victory for John Carroll.
- Denison senior goalkeeper Molly Noga (Springboro, OH/Archbishop Alter) recorded a game-high seven saves, while JCU’s Martin made three stops in the win.
- The NCAC All-Tournament team announced at the conclusion of the tournament. Twelve members from Denison, DePauw, John Carroll and Kenyon made up the squad. For her efforts, John Carroll senior Emily Patrzyk (Twinsburg, OH/Twinsburg) was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
2025 NCAC Women’s Soccer All-Tournament Team
Sophia Grueninger, DePauw
Ellie Mahan, DePauw
Brooke Heis, Kenyon
Hannah Schmidt, Kenyon
Sarah Sollinger, Denison
Mara McGlone, Denison
Mattie Mielke, Denison
Brooke Berkowitz, John Carroll
Meredith Coloian, John Carroll
Alli Malinky, John Carroll
Kathryn Shaffer, John Carroll
MVP: Emily Patrzyk, John Carroll