On Saturday, April 25 2026, the Minnesota Vixen traveled to St. Louis, MO to take on the Slam, the reigning back-to-back WFA Pro National Champions to open the 2026 season. The Slam’s undefeated regular-season record stretched back three seasons entering Saturday. With the final whistle of the game, that streak was snapped by the Vixen with a 24-7 win.
The Vixen were tenacious on both sides of the ball in the 17-point win, with a suffocating defense that allowed 119 yards and zero points for the Slam’s offense. The Vixen’s offense controlled the clock with the effective use of the air and ground attacks, which culminated in 339 yards of total offense.
On the ground for the Vixen, running backs Paige Kuplic and Tiff Wright both scored touchdowns in the win. Kuplic finished the game with 93 yards on 22 carries and another 20 yards receiving, with Wright tallying 61 yards on 17 carries and 12 yards through the air.
In the passing game, quarterback Erin Kelley ended the game with one touchdown, 189 yards and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. Wide receiver Jackie Radford led the Vixen receiving corps with 71 yards on six catches, and the game’s first touchdown. Tight end Sam Anderson was close behind with 68 yards on four receptions.
For the team, this Vixen win was the product of a long offseason focused on beating the best team in the league. Players like six-year veteran Kelley had been waiting for this moment for years.
“Honestly, can’t even put it into words at this point,” Kelley said after the game. “I mean, we have never beat them in their home field… and we broke their streak, two-year, haven’t lost streak.”
“How does it feel to beat St.Louis? Amazing, amazing,” linebacker Alycia Noble said. “We’ve been working all preseason for this. We knew St. Louis was the team to beat. We came out here and showed everyone what we can do.”
While the team savored the victory over their rivals, they also know St. Louis isn’t done with them. The Vixen and Slam are slated to play once again in the 2026 regular season on May 30, however, it will be in Minnesota’s friendly confines.
In week two of the WFA Pro season, the Vixen return to Minnesota for their home opener against the Mile High Blaze at Hamline University’s Klas Field in St. Paul, MN. Be a part of history for the Vixen’s first-ever game at Klas Field and help the team become 2-0 on the season, tickets to the Vixen’s home opener are on sale now, click here for more information. Season ticket packages are still available.