Wheaton women's soccer wins third national title in four seasons

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For the third time in four seasons, the Wheaton College women's soccer team, led by head coach Pete Felske, was crowned NCAA Division III National Champions after a 1-0 win over previously unbeaten Messiah (23-1-0) Saturday.

The Thunder finished a perfect 27-0-0 on the season and extended their winning streak to 45 games dating back to September of 2006.

With national titles in 2004 and 2006, Wheaton is the first team since Ohio Wesleyan in 2001 and 2002 to win back-to-back national titles. They are also only the second team since the NCAA began sponsoring a national championship in Division III women's soccer (1986) to win three or more titles. UC San Diego is a five-time winner.

In addition, this is the 33rd national title won by a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) member institution. Wheaton women's soccer, along with Millikin women's basketball, have combined to win the last four titles.

During the last four seasons, Wheaton women's soccer accomplished a record of 97-6 while the senior class was a part of all three national titles.