Dupage Policy Journal

The College Conference of Wisconsin and Illinois (CCIW) women's soccer season is nearing its conclusion, with North Central and North Park preparing for a key match that will determine the regular season champion and the top seed for the upcoming CCIW Championship.

North Central and North Park, both unbeaten in conference play, will face off Saturday at 5 p.m. in Chicago. North Central has won seven consecutive matches since late September, bringing its overall record to 11-5-0 and a perfect 6-0-0 in the league. The Cardinals lead the conference in goals per game and total goals scored, and junior forward Jordan Lange has been a consistent contributor with 23 points this season. Freshman Kara Waishwell has also emerged as a key player, scoring three goals and adding an assist last week. "Waishwell scored three goals and had an assist through two contests last week. The freshman midfielder scored a late goal and contributed an assist in NCC’s 4-1 win over Millikin last Wednesday before scoring two more against Carthage on Saturday," the CCIW stated. Saturday’s two-goal game was the first multiple-goal game of her career.

North Park enters the matchup with a 9-6-0 overall record and a 6-0-0 conference mark. The Vikings recently clinched their first-ever CCIW Tournament berth. The team has shown balance in both attack and defense, committing the fewest fouls in the league and earning only three yellow cards all season. Freshman Sofia Svensson leads the CCIW in points per game and goals per game, with 10 goals in 13 appearances. Junior Caroline Sjøstedt tops the league in total shots and assists. In goal, senior Paige MacRitchie has recorded four shutouts. "Eriksson, a defender, played all 90 minutes in NPU’s 3-0 win at Carroll last Saturday, logged a goal on only one shot. Her efforts also disrupted and broke up numerous plays on the defensive side of the pitch," according to the CCIW.

Wheaton College has secured a spot in the postseason tournament with a 3-1-3 conference record and a five-match unbeaten streak. The Thunder have relied on strong defense, recording seven shutouts. Junior goalkeeper Leah Roe leads the conference in total shutouts and shutouts per game. Olivia Martin and freshman Cami Tofilon have contributed to Wheaton's offense in recent matches.

Carthage remains in postseason contention with a 3-1-2 conference record. The Firebirds have relied on balanced play, ranking third in corner kicks and shutouts in the league. Senior goalkeeper Ainsley Stallworth leads the CCIW in save percentage and is second in total saves. Freshman Malie Cassel scored the winning goal in a recent match against Augustana.

Carroll University is battling for postseason position with a 2-4-1 conference record. The Pioneers are anchored by steady defensive play and are led offensively by senior Carmella Nowak, who has five goals this season.

Illinois Wesleyan sits at 2-3-1 in the CCIW and leads the conference in assists and assists per game. Sophomore Liza Wiley has been a key playmaker, ranking fifth in points and tied for second in assists.

Elmhurst College holds a 10-5-2 overall record but has struggled in conference play with a 1-4-1 mark. The Bluejays lead the CCIW in several statistical categories, including shutouts and goals allowed. Lauren Nevins is the leading scorer with 11 goals.

Millikin University has a 0-4-2 record in CCIW play and has relied on active goalkeeping, ranking second in total saves. Junior Izzy Jones leads the team with five goals.

Augustana College will finish its season with two road matches and leads the conference in total saves. Senior goalkeeper Sara Schinker has 117 saves and four shutouts this year, while freshman Skylar Swanson leads the team offensively.

The regular season will conclude this week, with postseason positions still to be finalized as teams compete for tournament berths and seeding.