Full Breakdown
NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament: Sweet 16 Overview
11/23/2025, 12:15:22 PM
Sweet 16 Teams and Matchups
The 2025 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship has reached the Sweet 16 stage, featuring 16 teams competing in the third round scheduled for November 23-24. Among the notable matchups are No. 2 Georgetown facing No. 3 Florida State, No. 1 Virginia hosting No. 4 Washington, and No. 2 Duke taking on No. 3 Kansas. The complete schedule includes:
- Sunday, November 23
- No. 2 Georgetown vs. No. 3 Florida State, noon
- No. 3 Colorado vs. No. 2 Michigan State, 1 p.m.
- No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 4 Washington, 2 p.m.
- No. 5 Baylor vs. Ohio State, 2 p.m.
- No. 2 Duke vs. No. 3 Kansas, 2 p.m.
- Monday, November 24
- No. 2 TCU vs. North Carolina, 2 p.m.
- No. 1 Vanderbilt vs. No. 4 LSU, 3 p.m.
- No. 1 Stanford vs. No. 4 BYU, 5 p.m.
The winners will advance to the quarterfinals set for November 28-29.
ACC Dominance
Five teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) have advanced to the third round, tying for the most among all conferences. The teams include No. 1 Virginia, No. 2 Duke, No. 3 Florida State, No. 3 Kansas, and No. 1 Stanford. Virginia secured its spot with a 2-0 victory over Penn State, while Duke defeated UCF 1-0, thanks to a goal from Mia Minestrella. Florida State also advanced with a narrow 1-0 win against Lipscomb.
Key Performances
Virginia's victory was marked by goals from Maggie Cagle and Lia Godfrey, the latter being recognized as the 2025 ACC Midfielder of the Year. Duke's Minestrella has been a standout player, scoring in each of the tournament's matches thus far. Florida State's Heather Gilchrist scored the decisive goal against Lipscomb, contributing to the Seminoles' strong defensive record, having not conceded a goal in the tournament.
Ohio State's Historic Upset
In a significant upset, Ohio State defeated No. 1 Notre Dame 1-0 in double overtime, marking the Buckeyes' first win against the Fighting Irish in three meetings. Jadin Bonham scored the game-winning goal, propelling Ohio State into the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. They will face No. 5 Baylor, who advanced by defeating Wisconsin 1-0.
Notable Statistics
Kansas has made history by scoring three goals in back-to-back NCAA Tournament matches, a first for the program. The Jayhawks' Caroline Castans set a new school record for assists in a season, contributing significantly to their offensive performance.
Official Statements & Responses
Florida State head coach Brian Pensky expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the upcoming match against Georgetown, noting the Hoyas' recent extended game against West Virginia. "If we can make Sunday fast, I think it suits us given who we are," Pensky stated.
What's Next
The tournament continues with the Sweet 16 matches this weekend, leading to the quarterfinals. The College Cup semifinals are scheduled for December 5, with the final taking place on December 8 in Kansas City, Missouri.
This year's tournament has showcased intense competition and remarkable performances, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
