LAWRENCE, KANSAS — #8 BYU defeated #7 Kansas 1-0 on Saturday in a stunning upset during the Big 12 Championship tournament. Playing before 631 spectators,, the Cougars broke through a stalemate midway through the first half to secure a crucial victory over the higher-seeded Jayhawks and extend their tournament run.
Ellie Walbruch provided the decisive moment in the 20th minute, converting a chance set up by teammates Mia Goettsche and Lucy Kesler. The goal proved to be the only score needed as BYU's defense held firm throughout the remainder of the match. The Cougars' ability to capitalize on limited opportunities contrasted sharply with Kansas's struggles in the attacking third despite sustained pressure.
BYU goalkeeper Chelsea Peterson made seven saves to preserve the shutout, including a critical stop on a low shot from Becca Smith in the 80th minute and another save against Kate Langfelder's attempt in the 88th minute. Peterson's composure under pressure proved instrumental in weathering Kansas's second-half offensive surge, when the Jayhawks generated nine corner kicks and 17 total shot attempts.
Kansas dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities, particularly after halftime. The Jayhawks forced multiple corners and maintained consistent attacking pressure, but BYU's disciplined defensive shape prevented them from finding the back of the net. Despite outshooting the Cougars 17-10 overall and 7-5 on target, Kansas could not overcome the early deficit.
Both teams made significant adjustments at halftime, with Kansas rotating four players and BYU replacing four starters. These changes reflected the intensity of the tournament environment and the need for fresh legs in a competitive matchup. The substitutions failed to shift momentum in Kansas's favor, however, as BYU maintained its advantage through disciplined positioning and timely defensive interventions.
The victory marked BYU's second consecutive tournament win after defeating #5 Baylor 4-0 on November 5th. The Cougars entered Saturday's match riding momentum from that dominant performance, and their ability to execute defensively against a higher-ranked opponent demonstrated their tournament credentials. Kansas, meanwhile, had won its previous two tournament matches against #2 West Virginia and #3 Colorado before this setback.
Walbruch's early goal proved decisive in a match where efficiency mattered more than volume. While Kansas generated more chances.