The magical ride for the Emory University women's soccer team came to an end Saturday afternoon as the Eagles fell to the WashU Bears, 2-1, in the NCAA Division III national championship game at Donald J. Kerr Stadium on the campus of Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.

The defeat concludes a historic season for the Eagles as Emory finishes the year with an overall record of 21-2-1 and established new team records with most wins in a singles season as well as 18 shutouts. This season marked the team's third-ever appearance in the national semifinals as well as the second trip to the national championship. With the win, WashU captures its second straight national title as well as the third in program history. At the conclusion of the tournament, Emory placed three players on the All-Tournament Team with Madison Teng and Mikayla Camp earning spots while senior Michelle Davidson was named the Defensive MVP of the 2025 NCAA Championships.

The rematch of the University Athletic Association heavyweights did not disappoint. Emory came out with the early momentum, scoring midway through the first half to lead at the halftime break. In the second half, the Bears controlled possession and were able to strike twice moments apart to clinch the comeback win.

The Eagles mounted three shot attempts in the opening half with junior Madison Teng notching the opening salvo in the 22nd minute. Sophomore Mikayla Camp and junior Kaitlyn Nimmer linked up with consecutive passes prior to Nimmer dishing it to Teng at the top of the 18. Teng controlled the feed and took two steps to her left before finding the back of the net for her eighth tally of the season. 

Emory ended the first half with a 7-3 deficit in shots taken but a pair of saves from senior Sophia Garcia helped keep the game at 1-0 through 45 minutes.

The second half saw WashU increase its offensive pressure, leading to a 14-1 margin in offensive chances. Sophomore Melina Ramirez aided the defensive efforts with a standout header save on the goaline with 30 minutes remaining but the Bears soon countered finding two goals moments apart.

In the 68th minute, WashU found its equalizer as Monica Morales-Martinez put home a left-footed strike to the top shelf. Two minutes later, the Bears seized the lead with a Cami Colpitts shot to the top right corner. 

The Eagles tried relentlessly to try and flip field position but were unable to find another scoring opportunity across the final 21 minutes of action. Emory received a brief moment of momentum as a VAR review negated a third WashU goal with six goals left to play but the Eagles could not force an extra session with a game-tying score.