No. 1 seeds, beware. Nary a one advanced to the DII women’s soccer championship semifinals, set to kick off on Dec. 11 from Weidner Field in Colorado Springs. The defending national champs are back in the mix, as are the 2023 national runners-up. Also in the field is one of DII women’s soccer’s winningest championship programs and a program making its third semifinals appearance.
FOLLOW: 2025 DII women's soccer championship: Bracket, schedule, scores
In short, we have a final four field made up of winning mindsets where something is going to have to give. Here is a breakdown of players to watch and key stats for each of the four teams remaining in the tournament.
The semifinals by the numbers
| Stats to know | Cal Poly Pomona | Florida Tech | Franklin Pierce | Washburn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scoring offense | 1.7 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 1.6 |
| Goals-against-average | 0.48 | 0.75 | 0.87 | 0.78 |
| Assists per game | 0.9 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 0.9 |
| Saves per game | 2.3 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.0 |
| Goal differential | 28 | 25 | 36 | 19 |
The DII women's soccer semifinals field
Washburn
The Ichabods are back in the national semifinals for the second time in three years. Last time it happened in 2023, it was somewhat expected, with Washburn the No. 1 seed in the Central Region. This time around, the ‘Bods were the No. 4 seed and had to pull off a pair of upsets, one of which against No. 1-seeded and No. 3-ranked Minnesota State Mavericks. This team certainly deserves a chance at a title.
A simple look at the stats shows that Washburn scores the least of any of the four teams remaining. That means the Ichabods defense has to be strong every time out. Having MIAA defender of the year Belle Kennedy in the backfield certainly helps. So does Leah Henke, who not only led the ‘Bods in scoring with 12 goals, but also earned MIAA freshman of the year honors as well, finishing tied for the MIAA lead in goals. Oh, she also happened to hit the game-winner against UMSL to advance to the semifinals. Washburn was able to claim the No. 1 seed. The ‘Bods made program history in 2023 finishing as national runners-up and would like to rewrite their history books this year with their first-ever DII women’s soccer national championship.
Cal Poly Pomona tries for two in a row
The West Region has captured the last three DII women’s soccer national championships, with these very Broncos winning their first ever last year. The Broncos had another strong season, entering the national semifinals with an 18-2-3 record. That last victory, No. 18 on the season, was a sweet one, as the Broncos upset the No. 1 team in DII, DBU, for head coach Jay Mason’s 100th career win with Cal Poly Pomona.
The Broncos have been road warriors all season, a perfect 8-0-0 for the first time in program history, so playing away from their home pitch seems like a comfortable environment for them. Vanessa Cruz, both the CCAA player and forward of the year, has been the big goal scorer for the Broncos with 13 on the season, including the insurance needed to ice DBU in their 2-0 upset. Behind her, their top 15 scoring defense is anchored by CCAA defender of the year, Liberty Ortiz, and CCAA keeper of the year, Jenna Tetrault.
Panthers back on the prowl
Like Washburn, Florida Tech is back in the semifinals for the second time since 2023. Last time around, the Panthers were the No. 1 seed and were stunned by No. 4 Point Loma 3-0 on its run to the championship. This time as the No. 3 seed, it is the Panthers hoping to deliver the upset blow.
Florida Tech lost its chance for an automatic bid, losing the SSC championship match in penalty kicks to Nova Southeastern. The Panthers exacted their revenge, upsetting the Sharks 1-0 to win their fourth South Region title. They had a trio of All-SSC First Teamers leading the way all season in forward Lauryn Wood (who, along with All-SSC Second Teamer Izzie Bromage, led the Panthers with seven goals while also leading the SSC in assists with eight), midfielder Rio Naganawa and defender Sara Batchadji. Florida Tech has made it to four semifinals but has never advanced. This Panthers’ squad hopes history is about to be rewritten.
Win the Ravens, evermore
The No. 4 seed is no stranger to the DII women’s soccer semifinals. Only Grand Valley State has more national championships than Franklin Pierce’s five. However, the Ravens have not won a championship in the 2000s, as their fifth and final title came in 1999. This is their second-straight trip to the semifinals, and they have a pair of national runners-up this century; however, the Ravens are clearly looking for that sixth piece of hardware for the trophy case.
The Ravens are the top scoring team remaining in the field and had a top 15 scoring offense in DII this season. Franklin Pierce got its goals from an array of players as Makenzie Shean, Claudia Peirce, Jenni Huttunen, Olivia Crespo and McKenna Maguire combined for 38 of the teams 56 goals. But this team isn’t all about putting it in the back of the net. Samantha Breton was the NE10 defender of the year and keeper Jess LaCroix finished second in the conference with a 0.88 goals-against average. They may be the No. 4 seed, but it’s best not to sleep on the Ravens.
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