RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The UW-River Falls women's hockey team captured its third consecutive NCAA Division III Women's Ice Hockey National Championship on Sunday afternoon at Hunt Arena, defeating Nazareth University 4-0 to secure the 2026 national title on home ice.
The Falcons became just the third program in NCAA Division III women's hockey history to win three consecutive national championships, joining Middlebury College (2004–06) and Plattsburgh State (2014–17). Across the three-year championship run from 2024–26, the Falcons, led by head coach Joe Cranston, compiled an overall record of 87-4-2.
After a scoreless opening period, the Falcons broke through early in the second and never looked back, improving to 30-1-0 on the season while holding Nazareth off the scoreboard. UWRF's 30 wins is the second-most in program history.
UWRF controlled much of the first period, outshooting the Golden Flyers but unable to solve Nazareth goaltender Mia Gonsalves. The Falcons' persistence paid off early in the second period while carrying over a power play, as Brooklyn Riley opened the scoring just 1:01 into the frame. Riley's goal was redirected from a MaKenna Aure shot, and proved to be the game-winner.
Just over two minutes later, Sophia Hess doubled the Falcons' lead at the 3:26 mark of the second, finishing off a setup from Cahlilah Lindquist and Aure to make it 2-0.
UWRF continued to apply pressure throughout the game, finishing with a 44-22 advantage in shots. The Falcons added to their lead midway through the third period when Madison Kadrlik scored at 10:19 off assists from Sami Pool and Kailey Niccum. Hess capped the scoring with her second goal of the game on an empty net with 2:16 remaining.
Hess led all players with two goals and 12 shots, while Aure recorded two assists. The Falcons also dominated at the faceoff dot, winning 44 of 70 draws, led by Hess' 21 wins. Megan Goodreau recorded one assist to finish with 77 points on the season, tying an NCAA Division III record. She matched Laura Hurd's record of 77 points set during the 2001-02 season.
In goal, Jordan O'Kane turned aside all 22 shots she faced to earn the shutout, collecting her UWRF record ninth shutout on the season.
UW-River Falls finished 1-for-4 on the power play and held Nazareth scoreless on three opportunities, continuing a strong special teams performance.
At the conclusion of the Division III NCAA Championship, UWRF's Megan Goodreau, Sophia Hess, MaKenna Aure, and Jordan O'Kane earned spots on the All-Tournament Team, and MaKenna Aure was named Most Outstanding Player – UWRF's third in a row (Maddie McCollins in 2024, Bailey Olson in 2025).
