St. Catherine University Athletics

NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The St. Catherine University soccer closed out the regular season in dominant fashion, defeating St. Olaf 2–0 on the road Saturday afternoon at Rolf Mellby Field. With the win, the Wildcats secured the MIAC regular season championship — their third in program history and second consecutive title — finishing with a 10–1–0 conference record and 16–2–0 overall. The regular season finish is the program's best-ever finish and best since the 2023 season. 
 
After a scoreless opening half, the Wildcats broke through in the 51st minute when Natalie Pfleger connected on a low cross from Briana Henaman, slotting the ball inside the far post to give St. Kate's a 1–0 lead. Pfleger struck again just 15 minutes later, firing a long-range shot that slipped through the keeper's hands to double the advantage. Bella Meier earned the assist on the play, setting up Pfleger's second brace in as many weeks.

Goalkeeper Brianna Valdez was unstoppable in goal, knocking down all six shots she faced to record her eleventh shutout of the season. St. Olaf pressed late, generating eight second-half shots, but Valdez and the Wildcat back line — anchored by Jaidyn Richter, Haley Glass, and Ceci Emery — held strong to preserve the clean sheet. St. Kate's outshot St. Olaf 11–15 but made the most of its chances, converting both shots on goal in the second half. 
 
The Wildcats finish the regular season with a program-best 16–2–0 record and will host a MIAC semifinal matchup next week in St. Paul as the tournament's top seed. Fans can also purchase commemorative MIAC Champions apparel from now until 5 pm on Monday, November 3 here: https://gear.unrmade.com/miac_womens_soccer_championship/shop/home.