Wiley Women’s Soccer Makes Historic Run to 2025 HBCUAC Semifinals
Wiley University’s women’s soccer team capped off their 2025 season with a huge milestone. They reached the semifinals of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) for just the third time in the program’s history.
The Lady Wildcats put up a fight but lost to Talladega College, the top seed from the East, in a 4-2 match at Lee Hedges Stadium. Wiley made some waves this season, scoring a program-record 75 goals and matching their highest win total since the program’s 2023 revival.
Most of the roster should return in 2026, and they’re eyeing an even deeper postseason push. If you want more details, check out the full article on Marshall News Messenger.
Wiley University Women’s Soccer: A Season of Records and Achievements
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Honestly, the 2025 season felt historic for Wiley’s women’s soccer squad. The Lady Wildcats not only made their third HBCUAC semifinal appearance, but they also set a new program record by racking up 75 goals.
This kind of offensive firepower really shows how determined and driven the team was all year. Fans noticed, and so did their opponents.
Key Moments of the Semifinal Match
Talladega College proved to be a tough opponent in the semifinals. They showed their strength by jumping ahead in the 16th minute.
The lead grew fast, with Talladega scoring again in the 22nd and 26th minutes. Suddenly, Wiley found themselves needing to rally.
- Feryi Sanchez gave Wiley a lifeline with a penalty shot in the 42nd minute.
- After halftime, Wiley turned up the pressure and outshot Talladega 16-7.
- Yajaira Hernandez nearly scored with a shot that smacked the crossbar right after the break.
- Yamilett Umana fired a shot on target, but Talladega’s keeper, Alyssa Johnson, made the save in the 59th minute.
- Cynthia Lopez tried a header off a corner from Nadia Hernandez, but it missed wide.
- Talladega snagged another goal on a rebound, stretching their lead again.
- Deyanara Hernandez scored her 12th of the season in the 80th minute, cutting the deficit to two.
- In the last three minutes, shots from Yajaira Hernandez and Alondra Limon forced saves from Johnson, sealing Talladega’s win.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Sure, the loss stings, but Wiley’s future looks bright. Nearly the entire roster should be back next year, which gives them a real shot at building something special.
Head coach Andrew Benitez and assistant coach Laura Lopez are already thinking about recruiting. They’re looking for the right pieces to push the program further.
Building on This Year’s Success
This season raised the bar for the Lady Wildcats. The coaches want to keep that momentum rolling by focusing on a few key areas:
- Bringing in talented recruits to fill any gaps.
- Sharpening both offensive and defensive tactics.
- Strengthening team chemistry and work ethic.
- Preparing for a bigger postseason run next year.
Community and Fan Support
The Wiley University community and fans played a huge role in the team’s journey. The Lady Wildcats felt the support at every game—loud cheers, signs, and a buzz in the stands that made home matches extra special.
That kind of backing lifts a team, no question. It made a difference all season long.
Engaging with the Community
The team wants to give back and stay connected. They’re planning a few things:
- Meet-and-greet events with players and coaches.
- Soccer clinics and workshops for local kids.
- Getting involved in community service projects.
- Boosting their social media presence to connect with fans.
Conclusion
The 2025 season felt like a turning point for Wiley University women’s soccer. They shattered a few records and made a real statement in the HBCUAC semifinals.
Looking to 2026, the mix of experienced players, some smart recruiting, and that steady community support seems promising. Maybe they’ll go even further next year—who knows?
If you’re curious about the details from the semifinal match or want the full season recap, check out the Marshall News Messenger.