MANCHESTER, N.H. (November 21, 2025) – Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference at-large representative Thomas Jefferson University advanced to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship with a 2-1, double-overtime first-round victory over CACC champion Wilmington University on Friday afternoon at Grappone Stadium on the campus of Saint Anselm College.
Senior Nikki Dedes, the 2025 CACC Player of the Year, scored both goals for Jefferson (16-2-1), the No. 4 seed from the East Region. Dedes forced extra time by finding the net with 51 seconds left in regulation. She ended the game by knocking in a rebound with 3:28 remaining in the second overtime period. Evelyn Payne had a 14th-minute goal for East No. 5 seed Wilmington, which finishes 12-3-6.
Jefferson moves on to face Saint Anselm (10-2-5), the East’s No. 1 seed, on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Manchester. The Rams are playing in their sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament and are seeking a return trip to the regional final.
Founded in 1961, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference has been affiliated with NCAA Division II for 20 years. Conference institutions compete for championships in 17 sports – seven for men, nine for women, and one co-ed. The CACC contains 11 full members in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Membership includes the University of Bridgeport, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University New York, Felician University, Georgian Court University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Post University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Wilmington University.