LA MIRADA, Calif. — Biola Women's Soccer closed its 2025 season on Thursday afternoon with a hard-fought effort against Fresno Pacific at Al Barbour Field. The Sunbirds took home a 1-0 victory, but this one was a day that was as much about celebration and reflection as it was competition. 

Before kickoff, the Eagles honored five graduating seniors — Leah Kakigi, Autum Monty, Jojo Prisock, Marije Rechin, and Peyton Nelson — whose journeys have helped shape a defining era in Biola's story.

The group's careers bridged two chapters of the program — one season under the previous coaching staff and three under Head Coach Brett Croft — becoming the steady link between what Biola Soccer has been and what it is becoming. 

Through seasons of growth, roster turnover, and evolving expectations, this senior class set the tone for accountability, faith, and belief in the process of rebuilding the program's foundation.
For much of the first half Biola controlled possession of the ball and had the majority of the chances. It was not until a surprise goal in the first three minutes of the second half that FPU brought some balance to the game.

Despite conceding that lone goal in the 47th minute, the Eagles never relented, outshooting the Sunbirds 11-4 in the second half and producing several dangerous chances in the closing moments. 

Peyton Nelson led Biola's attack with four shots, while Hayden Gehring and Jade Alverio combined for five more efforts on goal that kept the FPU goalkeeper under pressure. Alverio had one shot in particular that had the whole crowd hold it's breath before it was turned aside by FPU.

In her final collegiate match, senior goalkeeper Autum Monty anchored the defense once more, recording five saves — three in the first half to keep the score level — and organizing a back line that embodied composure and resilience. 

Though the result didn't tilt Biola's way, the afternoon reflected the progress of a team learning. The Eagles conclude the season 3-5-9 (0-4-6 PacWest) but with a deep sense of optimism as their young roster continues to grow under the example set by this senior class.

See below for thoughts from coach Croft about each of the five seniors:
Jojo Prisock
I would like to personally thank Jojo for her putting her trust in me during the transfer process, and for ultimately choosing our program to be the place to finish out her collegiate career. Jojo is a tenacious defender who has been the rock of our backline these past two seasons. There is truly only one Jojo on the planet, and I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know the extremely special person who is behind the competitive athlete. I wish Jojo all the best as she pursues playing at the professional level.

Autum Monty
"I would personally like to thank Autum for all the selfless work she has put in between the posts these last three years. Autum exemplifies what it means the be a professional both on and off the field. My greatest joy was found during our weekly goalkeeper serving sessions alongside Laura, truly a special time to connect with my goalkeepers both as athletes and people. I wish Autum all the best as she pursues playing at the professional level."

Leah Kakigi
"I would like to personally thank Leah for exemplifying what it means to be a selfless teammate during her time in our program. Leah is a resilient defender who possesses great pace both in the attacking and defensive phase of the game. Leah brings consistent joy to our training sessions and is always checking in on her teammates. I wish Leah all the best as she takes the next step in her nursing career."

Peyton Nelson
"I would like to personally thank Peyton for her consistent work ethic and positive attitude during her time in our program. Peyton is a gritty attacking threat who is feared by the opposition's defensive line. Peyton has been the spiritual backbone of our team and is someone who always has others' best interests in mind. I will continue to pray that Peyton comes back for one more year of soccer here at Biola!"

Marije Rechin
"In coaching, you come across players that teach you more than you could ever teach them. Thank you Mimi for being the heart and soul of this team since my arrival. Mimi is a unique player in that she can do it all, being extremely talented in every area of the game. Thank you, Mimi for all you have done for this program and for me personally. I will continue to pray that Mimi comes back for one more year of soccer here at Biola!"