What Is 2018 WAC women's soccer tournament

Overview

The 2018 WAC Women's Soccer Tournament marked the 18th annual postseason competition to determine the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) champion in women's soccer. Held from November 1 to November 4, it featured a six-team single-elimination format, culminating in Seattle University's first conference title.

This edition was notable for Seattle U's breakthrough victory and the tournament's continued role in securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship. As a Division I conference event, it highlighted rising programs from across the western United States.

• Seattle University claimed their first WAC women's soccer title by defeating Cal State Bakersfield 2–1 in the final on November 4, 2018.
• The tournament featured six teams, seeded based on regular-season conference performance, with the top two receiving byes to the semifinals.
• Matches were hosted at Championship Soccer Stadium in Seattle, providing a neutral site advantage for higher-seeded teams.
• The winner, Seattle U, earned the WAC’s automatic qualifier spot in the 2018 NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament, advancing to the national stage.
• This was the first time since joining the WAC in 2013 that Seattle University won the women's soccer championship.

How It Works

The WAC Women's Soccer Tournament follows a structured postseason format designed to crown a conference champion and award an NCAA bid. Teams qualify based on regular-season standings, and the bracket unfolds over a long weekend.

• Qualification: The top six teams in the WAC regular-season standings qualify. Teams are seeded 1 through 6 based on points, goal differential, and head-to-head results.
• Bracket Format: It is a single-elimination tournament. Seeds 3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5 play in the first round, while seeds 1 and 2 receive byes to the semifinals.
• Hosting: The tournament is hosted at a predetermined site; in 2018, it was held at Seattle University’s Championship Soccer Stadium, selected by the conference.
• Match Duration: Each game lasts 90 minutes; if tied after regulation, it proceeds to two 10-minute overtime periods, then a penalty shootout if needed.
• NCAA Bid: The winner receives the WAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship, held later in November.
• Seeding Rules: Tiebreakers include head-to-head result, goal differential in conference games, and total goals scored during the regular season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 WAC tournament can be better understood through a comparison with prior editions and peer conferences.

This table shows Seattle U’s long pursuit of a title, losing finals in 2014, 2015, and 2017 before finally winning in 2018. Grand Canyon had dominated the prior two years, making Seattle’s victory a significant shift in conference power.

Why It Matters

The 2018 WAC Women's Soccer Tournament was a pivotal moment for Seattle University and the conference’s competitive balance. It demonstrated the growing depth of talent across WAC programs and the importance of postseason experience.

• First Title Win: Seattle U’s victory marked their first WAC championship, validating years of program development since joining the conference in 2013.
• NCAA Appearance: The win secured Seattle U a spot in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the first round to Washington.
• Player Recognition: Seattle U’s Kayla Jones was named Tournament MVP after scoring a crucial goal in the final.
• Conference Prestige: Competitive parity in the WAC improved, with three different champions over five years, enhancing national respect.
• Recruiting Boost: Winning a conference title helps attract higher-caliber recruits, especially for mid-major programs like Seattle U.
• Women’s Sports Growth: The tournament highlighted the rising quality and visibility of women’s collegiate soccer in Division I.

Overall, the 2018 tournament was more than just a championship game—it was a milestone for program building and gender equity in college athletics.