UNCW women’s soccer punches ticket to CAA championship with comeback win over William & Mary
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The UNCW women’s soccer team is headed to the 2026 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) championship game after a thrilling comeback victory over William & Mary on Sunday. The top-seeded Seahawks defeated the third-seeded Tribe 2-1, scoring twice in the second half to secure their spot in the conference title game.
“Any come-from-behind win means you’ve shown some characteristics that are championship quality,” UNCW women’s soccer head coach Chris Neal said.
William & Mary struck first just minutes into the match, taking an early 1-0 lead. Despite several attempts to respond, UNCW struggled to break through the Tribe’s defense in the first half.
Neal said his team’s halftime adjustments made the difference.
“I love the adjustments our team made in the second half,” Neal said. “That William & Mary team is a very difficult team to score on. They shut us out two weeks ago, and we nearly fell right back into the same execution trap that we fell into there.”
The Seahawks came out with renewed energy in the second half, with Kamrey Watkins scoring the equalizer to tie the game at 1-1.
Junior attacker and midfielder Allie Planeaux then delivered the game-winning goal, giving UNCW a 2-1 lead.
“I feel like a few times I was like, Ok, I wanna cross it here, but I was like, you know what? I’m just gonna take this one, and I’m glad I did,” Planeaux said. “It was amazing. It was probably like my favorite moment I’ve had here.”
Neal praised Planeaux’s determination and performance in the comeback victory.
“Allie Planeaux was a woman out there today, and very happy for her to get the goal in that moment,” Neal said. “She was very determined today to provide for her team.”
The victory also carried extra significance for a UNCW team that fell short in last year’s conference semifinals, losing in penalty kicks on its home field.
“We know the taste of the other side of that last year,” Neal said. “I thought we played very well in the semifinal here at home, and we didn’t advance in penalties. So it means a lot we’re still playing, and that’s all this group wants is to keep playing together.”
For Planeaux, the opportunity to compete for a conference championship makes an already memorable season even more special.
“Honestly, this year has just been my favorite year,” Planeaux said. “I’m so excited just to keep pushing with this amazing team.”
The Seahawks are now one win away from claiming the CAA championship. UNCW will host the conference title game next weekend.
