ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University soccer team fell to Carleton College in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Championship final in a one-goal game. St. Kate's carries a program-best record of 17-3 sitting at the top of Region XI and ranked No. 21 in the NCAA Division III NPI rankings. 

The Wildcat battled evenly with one of the nation's top teams for much of the match, but a 75th-minute strike from Carleton's Zaraya Jordan proved to be the difference.

Carleton controlled possession early, testing Wildcat goalkeeper Brianna Valdez with several first-half chances. Valdez stood tall, making two saves before halftime to keep the match scoreless at the break. St. Kate's best early look came from Bella Meier, whose shot in the fifth minute sailed just over the bar.

The Knights continued to press in the second half, and after a flurry of corners, Jordan broke through in the 75th minute to put Carleton up 1–0. The Wildcats responded with renewed energy—Natalie Pfleger forced a diving save from Carleton keeper Avery Trapp just four minutes later—but could not find the equalizer.

Valdez finished with five saves in goal, while Meier, Pfleger, and Briana Henaman each recorded shots on target. Defenders Haley Glass, Jaidyn Richter, and Ali Owens anchored a strong back line that held Carleton to one goal despite 15 total shots.

The Wildcats wait to learn their fate for a chance at the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer National Tournament. The selection show is scheduled for Monday, November 10 at 10 am CT.