For Washington, it was about far more than the trophy. Washington carried Hamant’s spirit with them as they scraped past the Spartans to win the Big Ten Championship. This trophy will sit alongside the Big Ten regular season victory in a season to remember for the Huskies. Washington also secured an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament with the win.

"We said that it’s going to be hard, but it just shows how much this team loves each other, how much they care about each other and how much we love Mia." said Van Dyke post-match.

With each team excelling during different periods of matches throughout the season, their strengths ultimately canceled each other out. Washington scored 20 of its 31 goals in the first half of games, in stark contrast to MSU, which scored 31 of its 48 after halftime. MSU also conceded only six of its 21 total goals allowed after halftime, whereas the Huskies gave up nine of their 12 after the 45-minute mark. Ultimately, neither team could gain a lasting advantage in open play.

The game started with a bang, Washington’s Kalea Eichenberger firing home past MSU’s freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning in just the 4th minute. Although the Huskies looked to want it more right off the bat, the Spartans regained control almost immediately and spent the large majority of the match in control. 

Junior midfielder Kayla Briggs leveled the score in the 11th minute, scoring a penalty kick earned by junior forward Kennedy Bell. Brigg’s influence remained strong throughout the match, recording 6 of MSU’s 16 shots. Her defensive work was equally vital, helping the Spartans look dangerous both in and out of possession. Overall, it was a real team performance from MSU, with every player that touched the field putting in a great shift. They can feel unlucky to not have found the winning touch.

As the clock ticked down and the score stayed locked at 1-1, MSU seemed the more likely of the teams to swing the result in their favor. But, after 90 minutes plus two 10-minute golden goal overtime periods, Washington came out on top in a dramatic penalty shootout thanks to heroics from goalkeeper Tanner Ijams.

Ijams, who made 6 saves during regulation time, managed to keep out penalties from MSU’s Maleeya Martin and Briggs, winning her team the game. It was only fitting that it would come down to a special goalkeeping performance. 

While Henning had an impressive game for the Spartans, making four saves and keeping the match competitive, she could not match the spirit driving the Huskies.

MSU came into the match on a five-game winning streak, a season best. Their momentum wasn’t enough to push them over the finish line against a tough Washington side. In fact, the Spartans remain win-less against the Huskies, with Washington owning the series 5-0-1.

It wasn’t meant to be for the Spartans. Although they put up a great fight, the Big Ten’s best offense was no match for a determined Washington side playing in remembrance of the heart of their program. MSU’s players and fans honored Hamant alongside the Huskies, reiterating that it meant more than soccer. 

The Spartans can be proud of the season they put together and their Big Ten Tournament run, but will believe they could have– and still can– achieve more. This was the closest MSU women's soccer has come to securing this elusive trophy, the heartbreaking loss adding fuel to an ever-burning desire for success. The Spartans will have an opportunity to continue their season in the NCAA tournament. For Washington, it’s a victory that will carry more weight than words can describe.