Indiana women’s soccer came into Sunday’s regular season finale knowing exactly what was at stake. With postseason hopes on the line, the Hoosiers needed a win over Iowa to cap a year that had already shown tremendous growth, resilience, and the kind of fight that defines this program.
From the first whistle, it was clear the Hawkeyes weren’t going to make it easy. Iowa, one of the Big Ten’s most disciplined and physically imposing teams, applied consistent pressure, tested Indiana’s back line and capitalized when opportunities arose.
In the end, the Hoosiers fell 2-0, but the game underscored much of what made this season remarkable: determination, growth, and leadership from a senior group that refused to let a challenging campaign define them.
The first half was a defensive chess match. Both teams combined for just five total shots in the opening 45 minutes. Indiana leaned on its defense — something it has done all season.
Senior goalkeeper Dani Jacobson made two crucial saves early to keep the score level, while graduate midfielder Jenna Chatterton and junior defender Mary Kate Sullivan tested Iowa’s keeper without success. Indiana’s back line remained composed, limiting the Hawkeyes’ looks on goal and keeping the game within reach heading into halftime.
The second half began with a flurry of substitutions on both sides, as each team tried to inject energy and create scoring opportunities.
Indiana had its chances, including shots from junior midfielder Paige Droner and sophomore defender Haden Vlcek, and a corner in the 79th minute that nearly changed the outcome. But Iowa’s defense held firm, and the Hawkeyes struck first in the 73rd minute when junior midfielder Sofia Bush converted an assist from senior forward Shae Doherty. Junior defender Millie Greer added an insurance goal in the 85th minute to secure the 2-0 victory.
Graduate goalkeeper Sally Rainey subbed in the second half and made several key saves to keep the Hoosiers within striking distance. Indiana’s defense, anchored by senior leaders, showed the discipline and organization that has been a hallmark all season.
“This group took a huge step forward,” head coach Josh Rife said. “They’ve changed a little bit of the perception and narrative of Indiana women’s soccer, and that’s something they take a lot of pride in.”
Throughout the season, Indiana has relied on its defense to stay competitive in a challenging Big Ten schedule.
“I could not be more proud of this group,” Rife said postgame. “Our senior group really led the charge — they came into the year saying, ‘we want this to be a different year than last year,’ and I think every measurable statistic shows that they’ve done just that.”
The Hoosiers allowed few high-quality chances, pressed opponents consistently, and made goalkeeping look seamless. That defensive foundation allowed the team to push forward when opportunities arose, even in games where the offense struggled to find consistency.
Indiana’s offensive challenges persisted against Iowa, as the Hoosiers were unable to convert several promising chances. Still, the team showed fight until the final whistle, reflecting a mindset Rife has emphasized all year.
“Every little improvement counts,” Rife said. “We’ve got to continue to develop our talent and build on the progress this group has made. The memories, the growth, and the fight they’ve shown this season set the tone for years to come.”
Indiana finished the 2025 campaign with an overall record of 5-6-6 and a 2-4-5 mark in Big Ten play. However, the numbers don’t tell the full story.
“It’s about fighting every day with that mentality,” Rife said. “The margins are small, but they matter. And this group has shown that they are willing to put in the work, support each other, and take Indiana women’s soccer forward.”
Sunday’s result may not have gone Indiana’s way, but the season is one to remember — a year of growth, leadership, and a team that refused to settle. That’s the kind of foundation that makes a program competitive not just for a single season, but for years to come.
Follow reporters Noah Gerkey (@Noah_Gerk and ngerkey@iu.edu) and Will Kwiatkowski (@WKwiatkowski_15 and wdkwiatk@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana women's soccer season.
