By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The Washburn University soccer team's 2025 season came to an end Thursday evening with a 2-1 NCAA Division II semifinal defeat to Franklin Pierce in Colorado Springs.
Washburn soccer dropped a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Franklin Pierce in Thursday's NCAA Division II semifinal in Colorado Springs. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
"Thought we played really well, thought we had a really good mentality, really proud of how our team played," Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "The program is in such a healthy place because the girls invest so much on a daily basis."
"These girls are so special,'' Washburn senior Shaye Taylor said. "This team was built on love, so much love in everything we did. I couldn't be more grateful -- these girls made it the best experience I've ever had."
Washburn came out of the gates strong, as in the opening minute, freshman Leah Henke had a header go over the bar.
Washburn had six shots in the half, while the Ravens took four.
The second half would start the same, as Washburn had four shots in the opening 10 minutes with two on target
In the 66th minute WU freshman Kate Hinck, a Washburn Rural product, would open the scoring after a ball over the top from Sam Searcey.
Franklin Pierce would then score two goals 62 seconds apart to take a 2-1 lead late in the match and held off the Ichabods the rest of the way.
Hinck scored her seventh goal of the season while Searcey picked up her sixth assist.
Freshman goalkeeper made five saves in the match for Washburn.
