EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The 2025 WVU Tech women's soccer team closed out one of the program's strongest seasons in more than a decade Wednesday evening, falling 2–0 at top-seeded Oakland City in the River States Conference Championship at the Goebel Soccer Complex. The Golden Bears finish the year 12-5-3 overall and 7-2-1 in the RSC, posting the program's best winning percentage (.711) since at least 2011 and firmly re-establishing themselves among the league's elite.
Under head coach Kate Carr, WVU Tech has taken a significant step forward over the past two seasons, climbing from an RSC semifinal appearance in 2024 to a berth in the 2025 championship match.
Oakland City, which entered the match receiving votes nationally and owning the RSC's top offense, finally broke through early in the second half. Alex Ortiz scored in the 48th minute, and Sofia Lacey added another in the 51st to secure the conference title for the Mighty Oaks.
WVU Tech's defensive unit — anchored by All-Conference selections Sophie Quinlan, Oda Aksnes, and Sandra Garcia Quílez — held the nation's No. 1 RSC attack scoreless through the opening 47 minutes and limited the Mighty Oaks to just eight shots on target.
RSC Newcomer of the Year Rocío Gutiérrez generated both of Tech's shots, forcing a save in the 68th minute on the Bears' best look of the night.
Senior goalkeeper Sandra Garcia Quílez, recently named Second Team All-RSC, closed her career with six saves in her final collegiate appearance. The defense held Oakland City to four corner kicks and just six shots after halftime.
GOLDEN BEAR HIGHLIGHTS
- Sandra Garcia Quílez finished with six saves, bringing her to 64 on the season and 368 for her career.
- Rocío Gutiérrez produced both Tech shots, including the lone shot on goal.
- Tech's back line of Sophie Quinlan, Oda Aksnes, and Rylee Yeloushan played 80+ minutes each and held Oakland City scoreless for the entire first half.
- Corner kicks were even in the opening frame (2–2), reflecting Tech's competitive defensive stability.
RSC AWARDS RECOGNIZED TONIGHT
Several Golden Bears competed tonight having already earned conference honors:
SENIOR CLASS APPRECIATION
WVU Tech proudly honors its four seniors — a group that helped elevate the program back to conference-championship contention and delivered the program's best two-year stretch (18-9-9) of the modern era.
A four-year Golden Bear and one of the most accomplished keepers in program history.
Career: 69 games, 67 starts, 5,943 career minutes, 368 saves, 11 shutouts.
Progressed every season, dropping her GAA from 4.60 as a freshman to 0.84 as a senior. Finished 2025–26 with a .790 save percentage and seven shutouts.
A dynamic attacker who made major contributions after transferring from York University.
Career (WVU Tech + York): 66 games, 57 starts, 10 goals, 4 assists, 24 points.
Posted a career-best seven goals this season and earned Second Team All-RSC honors.
A steady four-year contributor who appeared in 71 career matches.
Career: 9 goals, 3 assists, 21 points; three perfect seasons on penalty kicks (3–3).
Recorded at least two goals in three of her four seasons.
Sydney Chapman — Midfielder (Ansted, W.Va.)
A dependable depth midfielder and home-state representative.
Career: 32 appearances, 1 goal, 1–1 on penalty kicks.
Scored her first collegiate goal this season and earned the trust of Tech's midfield rotation.
