UW-River Falls wins third straight NCAA women's hockey title

Falcons defeat Nazareth University 4-0 to claim third consecutive Division III championship

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:20am

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The University of Wisconsin-River Falls women's hockey team won its third straight NCAA Division III national championship, defeating Nazareth University (N.Y.) by a score of 4-0 in the title game. The Falcons have now won the Division III women's ice hockey crown in three consecutive seasons.

Why it matters

UW-River Falls' women's hockey program has established itself as a dominant force in Division III, winning the national title three years in a row. This continued success cements the school's reputation as a premier destination for elite women's ice hockey talent and solidifies its status as a perennial contender for the championship.

The details

The Falcons scored one goal in the first period, two in the second, and one in the third to cruise to the 4-0 victory over Nazareth. UW-River Falls outshot the Golden Flyers 35-19 in the game, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess.

  • The NCAA Division III Women's Ice Hockey Championship game was played on March 29, 2026.
  • UW-River Falls has now won the national title in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

The players

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a public university located in River Falls, Wisconsin. Its women's hockey team has won the last three NCAA Division III national championships.

Nazareth University

Nazareth University is a private university located in Rochester, New York. Its women's hockey team was the runner-up in the 2026 NCAA Division III championship game.

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What they’re saying

“Winning three straight national titles is an incredible accomplishment for our program. I'm so proud of the hard work and dedication our players have shown to achieve this level of sustained excellence.”

— Brittany Fanning, Head Coach, UW-River Falls Women's Hockey

What’s next

UW-River Falls will look to defend its NCAA Division III women's hockey title again next season, as the team aims for a fourth consecutive championship.

The takeaway

The UW-River Falls women's hockey team has solidified its status as the premier program in Division III, winning three straight national titles and cementing its place among the elite programs in all of college hockey.