KOKOMO, Ind. — The IU Kokomo women's soccer team's 2026 season came to a heartbreaking conclusion Wednesday evening, as the fourth-seeded Cougars fell to fifth-seeded Brescia University in a penalty-kick shootout in the River States Conference Tournament quarterfinals at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.
Despite controlling much of the match and holding a 20-12 advantage in shots, IU Kokomo (6-9-3) was unable to find the back of the net through 110 minutes of action. The two sides remained deadlocked at 0-0 through regulation and two overtime periods before Brescia (7-6-6) prevailed 3-2 in a seven-round shootout to advance to the RSC Tournament semifinals.
First Half
- IU Kokomo came out aggressively, forcing Brescia goalkeeper Laura Thompson into saves on shots from Madison Balf and Addison Waller within the opening four minutes.
- The Cougars continued to generate opportunities throughout the half, with Waller recording four shots and Kaiya Money testing Thompson with an attempt in the 30th minute.
- Balf added another shot on goal in the 37th minute as IU Kokomo maintained pressure on the Bearcat defense.
- The Cougars finished the opening 45 minutes with a commanding 10-4 advantage in shots, including five on goal, but entered halftime locked in a scoreless tie.
Second Half
- IU Kokomo continued to press forward after the break, with Money and Kaitlyn Swartzendruber putting shots on target in the opening 13 minutes of the second half.
- Waller forced another save in the 67th minute before Avery Wilson tested Thompson with an attempt in the 76th minute.
- The Cougar defense remained organized throughout the half, limiting Brescia to just four shots while goalkeeper Liz Godfrey made another save to preserve the shutout.
- Despite outshooting the Bearcats 6-4 in the second half and 16-8 through regulation, IU Kokomo was unable to break through, sending the postseason contest into overtime.
Overtime and Penalty-Kick Shootout
- Waller continued to create chances in the first overtime period, putting two shots on goal in the 97th and 99th minutes, but Thompson turned away both attempts.
- The Cougars came agonizingly close to taking the lead in the second overtime, as Swartzendruber forced a save in the 102nd minute before Rylee Walczak struck the post just seconds later.
- Godfrey made three saves across the two overtime periods, finishing the match with five stops and a clean sheet through 110 minutes of action.
- With neither team able to score, the match proceeded to a penalty-kick shootout. Sydney Miller entered in goal for IU Kokomo, while Balf and Swartzendruber converted their attempts to keep the Cougars alive.
- After five rounds, the shootout remained tied at 2-2. Brescia eventually converted in the seventh round, and IU Kokomo was unable to answer, allowing the Bearcats to advance with a 3-2 shootout victory.
Match Notes
- IU Kokomo outshot Brescia 20-12 overall and 12-5 in shots on goal, while also holding a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.
- Addison Waller led all players with seven shots, including five on goal, while Madison Balf and Kaitlyn Swartzendruber contributed four shots apiece.
- Liz Godfrey played all 110 minutes in goal, recording five saves to keep the Bearcats scoreless throughout regulation and overtime.
- Brescia goalkeeper Laura Thompson finished with 12 saves to deny the Cougars despite their offensive advantage.
The result brings IU Kokomo's 2026 campaign to a close with a 6-9-3 overall record and a fourth-place finish in the River States Conference standings. The Cougars finished conference play 4-3-1, earning the opportunity to host an RSC Tournament quarterfinal match.
Wednesday's contest also marked the final collegiate match for five Cougars who will graduate from the program:
Sydney Miller,
Rylee Walczak,
Hannah Hermansen,
Kaiya Money, and
Charity Lewis. The five student-athletes leave behind a lasting impact on the IU Kokomo women's soccer program through their contributions both on and off the field.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
