Wednesday, November 11
Boyds, Md.
4 p.m. CT
Marquette University
vs
Xavier (Semifinals)
11/9/2026 2:25:00 PM | Women's Soccer
No. 4 seed Marquette makes its first BIG EAST Tournament appearance since 2017
MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University women's soccer team (7-3-9, 3-2-5 BIG EAST) is headed back to the BIG EAST Tournament for the first time since 2017, earning the No. 4 seed in the four-team championship field. The Golden Eagles open postseason play Wednesday, Nov. 11, against top-seeded Xavier (13-2-3, 7-0-3 BIG EAST) at 4 p.m. CT at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland. The semifinal match will stream on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
Marquette punched its ticket to the BIG EAST Tournament for the first time since 2017, playing Providence to a scoreless draw on Senior Night, Nov. 7, at Valley Fields. With a postseason berth on the line, the Golden Eagles started all nine members of their senior class, making sure to honor the contributions of each student-athlete while competing in a must-win match.
Marquette controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting the Friars 16-4 and holding a 6-0 advantage in shots on goal. Haley Christianson put the first shot on target just 1:01 into the contest, setting the tone for a Marquette attack that continued to pressure Providence throughout the night.
Despite putting six shots on frame, the Golden Eagles were unable to find the breakthrough, as Providence's goalkeeper turned away all six attempts. Marquette's defensive effort proved equally strong, as Krone and Mia Hurd combined for the shutout. Hurd entered in the 15th minute and played the final 75 minutes to help secure the result and send the Golden Eagles back to the BIG EAST Tournament as the No. 4 seed.
Shea Earns BIG EAST Weekly Honor
Sophomore defender Clare Shea was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Nov. 9, following her performance in Marquette's scoreless draw against Providence. Shea played all 90 minutes and anchored a Golden Eagle back line that limited the Friars to just four shots and no shots on goal, helping secure a combined shutout and clinch the No. 4 seed in the BIG EAST Tournament.
The honor marks Marquette's second BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week selection this season, joining junior defender Lilly Coats, who earned the award on Oct. 12.
A Season of Shutouts
While Marquette continues to find its offensive rhythm, the Golden Eagles have been anchored by a strong defensive effort throughout the 2026 campaign. The back line and goalkeeping unit have helped keep opponents off the scoreboard, giving Marquette a chance to compete in close matches and keep its season alive.
Marquette has recorded eight shutouts this season, the fourth-most in the BIG EAST. Only Villanova and Seton Hall, with 12 shutouts apiece, and Xavier, with 10, have posted more clean sheets. The Golden Eagles' eight shutouts are also the most by a Marquette squad in a single season since 2019, when the program recorded 12.
Freshman goalkeeper Mia Hurd has played a key role in the defensive success, contributing to Marquette's seven shutouts while establishing herself as one of the nation's top first-year goalkeepers.
The program's single-season record stands at 17 shutouts, set during the 2012 campaign.
BIG EAST Tournament History
Marquette returns to the BIG EAST Tournament for the first time since 2017, looking to build on a history that includes two conference tournament championships and four appearances in the title match. The Golden Eagles captured back-to-back BIG EAST Tournament titles in 2012 and 2013, adding two championship-game appearances in 2014 and 2016.
The Golden Eagles' championship runs came in 2012 and 2013. Marquette swept the regular-season and tournament titles in 2012, defeating No. 25 Notre Dame, 1-0, in the semifinals before earning a 1-0 championship victory over No. 13 Georgetown. In 2013, Marquette again claimed the regular-season crown, advancing to the title match with a 2-0 semifinal win over St. John's before defeating DePaul, 2-0, to secure its second consecutive BIG EAST Tournament championship.
A Familiar Foe
Marquette and Xavier will meet for the 18th time in program history Wednesday, with the Golden Eagles holding a 9-7-1 advantage in the all-time series. The Musketeers have won the last four meetings, including a 2-1 decision at Valley Fields on Oct. 21. Marquette's last victory was a 1-0 shutout in the 2020-21 season in Cincinnati.
Xavier enters Wednesday's semifinal as the BIG EAST regular-season champion and No. 1 seed.
Last Time Out
Marquette punched its ticket to the BIG EAST Tournament for the first time since 2017, playing Providence to a scoreless draw on Senior Night, Nov. 7, at Valley Fields. With a postseason berth on the line, the Golden Eagles started all nine members of their senior class, making sure to honor the contributions of each student-athlete while competing in a must-win match.
Marquette controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting the Friars 16-4 and holding a 6-0 advantage in shots on goal. Haley Christianson put the first shot on target just 1:01 into the contest, setting the tone for a Marquette attack that continued to pressure Providence throughout the night.
Despite putting six shots on frame, the Golden Eagles were unable to find the breakthrough, as Providence's goalkeeper turned away all six attempts. Marquette's defensive effort proved equally strong, as Krone and Mia Hurd combined for the shutout. Hurd entered in the 15th minute and played the final 75 minutes to help secure the result and send the Golden Eagles back to the BIG EAST Tournament as the No. 4 seed.
Shea Earns BIG EAST Weekly Honor
Sophomore defender Clare Shea was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Nov. 9, following her performance in Marquette's scoreless draw against Providence. Shea played all 90 minutes and anchored a Golden Eagle back line that limited the Friars to just four shots and no shots on goal, helping secure a combined shutout and clinch the No. 4 seed in the BIG EAST Tournament.
The honor marks Marquette's second BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week selection this season, joining junior defender Lilly Coats, who earned the award on Oct. 12.
A Season of Shutouts
While Marquette continues to find its offensive rhythm, the Golden Eagles have been anchored by a strong defensive effort throughout the 2026 campaign. The back line and goalkeeping unit have helped keep opponents off the scoreboard, giving Marquette a chance to compete in close matches and keep its season alive.
Marquette has recorded eight shutouts this season, the fourth-most in the BIG EAST. Only Villanova and Seton Hall, with 12 shutouts apiece, and Xavier, with 10, have posted more clean sheets. The Golden Eagles' eight shutouts are also the most by a Marquette squad in a single season since 2019, when the program recorded 12.
Freshman goalkeeper Mia Hurd has played a key role in the defensive success, contributing to Marquette's seven shutouts while establishing herself as one of the nation's top first-year goalkeepers.
The program's single-season record stands at 17 shutouts, set during the 2012 campaign.
BIG EAST Tournament History
Marquette returns to the BIG EAST Tournament for the first time since 2017, looking to build on a history that includes two conference tournament championships and four appearances in the title match. The Golden Eagles captured back-to-back BIG EAST Tournament titles in 2012 and 2013, adding two championship-game appearances in 2014 and 2016.
The Golden Eagles' championship runs came in 2012 and 2013. Marquette swept the regular-season and tournament titles in 2012, defeating No. 25 Notre Dame, 1-0, in the semifinals before earning a 1-0 championship victory over No. 13 Georgetown. In 2013, Marquette again claimed the regular-season crown, advancing to the title match with a 2-0 semifinal win over St. John's before defeating DePaul, 2-0, to secure its second consecutive BIG EAST Tournament championship.
A Familiar Foe
Marquette and Xavier will meet for the 18th time in program history Wednesday, with the Golden Eagles holding a 9-7-1 advantage in the all-time series. The Musketeers have won the last four meetings, including a 2-1 decision at Valley Fields on Oct. 21. Marquette's last victory was a 1-0 shutout in the 2020-21 season in Cincinnati.
Xavier enters Wednesday's semifinal as the BIG EAST regular-season champion and No. 1 seed.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's Soccer
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