The Weekend Wrap: Week 12
The 2026 WWPA Championship is set following a thrilling final week of regular-season action in the West Region.
Concordia
CUI secured the West Region's top seed and the WWPA West title in its first year in the conference following an undefeated week. The Golden Eagles clinched the No. 1 seed on Thursday, defeating Biola 12-11 in sudden-death overtime on a game-winning goal from Anna Tyukasz. Goalkeeper Jaden Soto provided 12 key saves to help force the extra periods. The Golden Eagles then locked down sole possession of the West title on Friday with a 9-4 victory over Cal State Monterey Bay. The defense allowed just one goal after the break to solidify their position heading into the postseason. CUI receives a quarterfinal bye and will open the WWPA Championship in the semifinals against the winner of Cal State Monterey Bay and Gannon.
Cal State Monterey Bay
CSUMB shook up the top of the West Region standings before officially securing the No. 3 seed for the WWPA Championship. The Otters opened their week with a 12-7 road victory over Biola, establishing an early 4-0 lead and maintaining their advantage. Olivia Gutierrez led the offense with four goals against the Eagles, while goalkeeper Marissa White provided stability in the cage with 14 saves. CSUMB then faced Concordia with a chance to force a three-way tie atop the West Region, battling closely through three quarters before falling 9-4. Gutierrez added another pair of goals in the finale to lead the Otters into postseason play. They'll open the tournament against Gannon on Friday.
Fresno Pacific
FPU wrapped up its regular season with a 10-9 overtime victory against UC Merced on Senior Day. The Sunbirds fell behind 4-0 early but methodically closed the deficit as the game progressed. Sierra Coyne and Emma Cook fueled the offensive comeback, with Coyne registering a hat trick. Goalkeeper Evalena Filippi anchored the defense with a career-high 19 saves to keep the Sunbirds within striking distance. Regan Azevedo capped the comeback by scoring the game-winning goal early in the first overtime period, officially sending Fresno Pacific into the WWPA Championship as the No. 4 seed in the West. FPU opens the WWPA Championship against East Region winner Salem on Friday.
Biola
Biola entered the week in position to capture the West Region title but ultimately secured the No. 2 seed following a pair of tight losses. The Eagles rallied after a slow start behind three points apiece from Myah and Alyah Ibarra but fell 12-7 to Cal State Monterey Bay. Despite the loss, the Eagles were still in position to take the West with a win over CUI, but ultimately were edged in sudden victory. Goalkeeper Fernanda Luna made 14 saves, while Ava LoBue paced the offense with five points. The Eagles open the WWPA Championship with a matchup against defending champion McKendree on Friday.
UC Merced
UC Merced concluded its regular-season schedule with a tightly contested 10-9 overtime loss on the road against Fresno Pacific. The Bobcats jumped out to a 4-0 advantage in the opening minutes behind goals from four different players. Kiryn Wicker and Claudette Asenjo steadied the offense, each securing a hat trick during the match. Asenjo's final goal of regulation came with just 31 seconds remaining to force overtime. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Makenzie Royal anchored the unit by turning away a career-high 15 shots, marking the most saves by any Bobcat in a conference match this season. The Bobcats will play three exhibition games at the WWPA Championship, starting with Friday's opener against top West seed Concordia.