UNCW Captures First CAA Women’s Soccer Championship Since 2009
11/14/2026 5:30:00 PM
WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW (13-0-7) picked up its first CAA Women’s Soccer Championship since 2009 with a 3-1 victory over Towson (10-6-3) inside UNCW Soccer Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With the victory, the Seahawks also extended the nation’s longest active unbeaten streak to 30 consecutive games.
CAA Midfielder of the Year Allie Planeaux added Most Outstanding Player to her list of accolades after recording a tournament-best six points, including a goal and an assist in Saturday’s title win.
The Seahawks broke through in the 32nd minute when Abbey Pierson found the back of the net. After Kamrey Watkins crossed a pass into the box, Hailey Longwell redirected the feed to an open Pierson at the top of the six-yard box, who ripped a right-footed shot past the keeper to give UNCW a 1-0 lead.
Just 65 seconds later, Planeaux slid into her shot attempt and sent it across her body, finding twine in the lower left corner to double the Seahawks’ advantage, 2-0, before halftime.
UNCW carried its momentum into the second half, extending its advantage just six minutes into the frame. Planeaux broke down the left side and sent a cross to a streaking Longwell in the box. The CAA Co-Attacking Player of the Year tapped the feed into the right side of the net in the 52nd minute to put the Seahawks ahead, 3-0.
Towson responded immediately nine seconds later off the foot of Sophie Thibeault. Meron Koro led Emely Rubio into space along the 18-yard box before the Tigers’ midfielder threaded a pass to Thibeault in open space on the left side of the frame. Thibeault one-touched the feed and lasered her attempt past the netminder for her seventh goal of the season.
The Tigers looked to build on their goal and mount a comeback, but UNCW’s defense held firm throughout the remainder of the match. The Seahawks limited Towson to nine shots, including just three on goal, to preserve the two-goal advantage and secure the championship.
UNCW finished with a 17-9 advantage in shots and held a 5-1 edge in corner kicks. The Seahawks also received a pair of saves from Zoe Anderson in the second half, while Lili White kept Towson off the scoreboard during the opening 45 minutes.
The Seahawks secured the CAA’s automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship. UNCW will learn their opening-round opponent on Monday during the NCAA Selection Show at 4 p.m., on NCAA.com.
All-Tournament Team
Allie Planeaux, UNCW (Most Outstanding Player)
Gwen Doughty, William & Mary
Juni Einarsson, Stony Brook
Sydney Lindeman, Towson
Hailey Longwell, UNCW
Macy Lutz, UNCW
Kale’a Perry, Towson
Eva Sprewell, Stony Brook
Sophie Thibeault, Towson
Kamrey Watkins, UNCW
Molly Widderich, William & Mary
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