Columbia, MO - The Stephens College women's soccer team concluded a historic 2026 season on Monday afternoon, falling 5-0 to top-seeded Columbia College in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Championship match at Marvin Owens Field. Despite the result, the Stars closed out the most successful season in program history, setting a new single-season record with 11 victories and making their first-ever appearance in the conference championship.
The Cougars established an early lead, finding the back of the net in the second minute before adding two more goals in the 12th and 28th minutes to take a 3-0 advantage into halftime. Columbia extended its lead with two additional goals early in the second half to secure the conference title.
Despite facing consistent offensive pressure, senior goalkeeper Petra Brncová recorded 10 saves in her final collegiate appearance. Brncová made six saves in the opening half and added four more in the second, marking another strong individual performance in goal for the Stars.
Offensively, Amaura Austell accounted for both of Stephens' shot attempts, including the team's lone shot on goal in the 22nd minute. Austell nearly broke through late in the second half, sending an attempt off the post in the 83rd minute. The Stars also generated four corner kicks throughout the contest.
While Monday's result brought the season to a close, the 2026 campaign marked a significant milestone in the history of Stephens College women's soccer. The Stars finished with an 11-6-3 overall record and a 5-2 mark in AMC play, establishing a new program record for the most wins in a single season. Stephens surpassed the previous record of seven victories, setting a new standard for the program.
Entering the conference tournament as the No. 3 seed, Stephens defeated No. 6 Hannibal-LaGrange University in the quarterfinals before upsetting No. 2 Harris-Stowe State University in the semifinals to advance to the AMC Championship for the first time in program history.
The championship appearance capped a record-breaking season for the Stars, who reached new heights under head coach Don Trentham. With 11 victories, a program-best conference tournament finish and their first appearance in the AMC title match, the 2026 team established several historic milestones and set a new benchmark for the future of Stephens College women's soccer.
