Members of Delta Zeta tug during the first rope against Delta Gamma in the opening match of the 2025 Women’s Tugs on Nov. 10. The match began at 7 p.m. at 912 Edgebrook Drive, behind Delta Gamma’s and Sigma Nu’s house. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)Delta Zeta members celebrate after defeating Delta Gamma in the third rope on Nov. 10. DZ claimed third place in the 2025 Women’s Tugs Tournament after Alpha Sigma Alpha defeated them on Wednesday and their win against Alpha Phi on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)Delta Zeta members eat the rope during the third rope against Delta Gamma on Nov. 10. DZ won in the third rope against DG after both teams won 0.5 points. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)A Phi Kappa Theta member kneels down next to the back trenches of Delta Gamma and encourages them to fight through the third rope against Delta Zeta on Nov. 10. The Women’s Tugs tournament was held by the NIU Panhellenic Council and benefitted the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Center through donations. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)Delta Gamma members sit in a low lean to try to fight against Delta Zeta’s quick attacks on the rope on Nov. 10. Five sororities competed, DG, DZ, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Phi. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)Members of Delta Gamma sit in a high lean in the first rope against Delta Zeta on Nov. 10. The 2025 Women’s Tugs featured five matches across Nov. 10, Nov. 12 and Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Match 2 – Delta Zeta vs. Alpha Sigma Alpha
Members of Delta Zeta and Alpha Sigma Alpha face off on Wednesday during Match 2 of Women’s Tugs 2025. Match 2 began at 6:30 p.m. and lasted until 8 p.m. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Tuggers of Alpha Sigma Alpha shout and attempt to hold onto the first rope on Wednesday Match 2 of Women’s Tugs 2025. Alpha Sigma Alpha won the first rope after reaching the time limit. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Tuggers of Delta Zeta stand in their trench while holding onto the first rope on Wednesday Match 2 of Women’s Tugs 2025. DZ secured 0.5 after going to time with the second rope. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Fans of Delta Zeta scream in celebration on Wednesday during Match 2 of Women’s Tugs 2025. Nearly 200 fans for both DZ and Alpha Sigma Alpha showed up to watch the match. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)The flagbearer for Alpha Sigma Alpha hypes up ASA during the second match. ASA secured its spot for the championship after defeating Delta Zeta 1.5 to 0.5. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Tuggers for Alpha Sigma Alpha hold their position during the second rope on Wednesday Match 2 of Women’s Tugs 2025. ASA took back the third and final rope after a close match. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
Match 3 – Alpha Phi vs. Sigma Sigma Sigma
Members of Sigma Sigma Sigma push off their trenches while watching their caller on the first rope of their match against Alpha Phi on Wednesday. Tri Sig and APhi were the third match of the 2025 Women’s Tugs Tournament and began at 8:15 p.m. at 912 Edgebrook Drive, behind Delta Gamma’s and Sigma Nu’s houses. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)Alpha Phi tuggers watch their caller during the first rope against Sigma Sigma Sigma on Wednesday. APhi and Tri Sig was the second match on Wednesday, with the first taking place at 6:30 p.m. between Delta Zeta and Alpha Sigma Alpha. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)Fans cheer on Sigma Sigma Sigma during their match against Alpha Phi on Wednesday. Three ticket options were available for fans to purchase, a week pass for $25, day pass for $10 and tickets for the championship match for $15. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)Alpha Phi’s caller conceals his rope back during the third match of the 2025 Women’s Tugs tournament against Sigma Sigma Sigma. APhi failed to gain control of the knot for any of the ropes. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)The fifth trench tugger for Alpha Phi strains as she fights against Sigma Sigma Sigma’s attempt to gain rope on Wednesday. APhi’s loss brought them to the loser’s bracket match at noon to face off against Delta Zeta. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)Members of Sigma Sigma Sigma embrace and celebrate their win against Alpha Phi on Wednesday, claiming the third match of the 2025 Women’s Tugs tournament. Tri Sig defeated APhi in 45 minutes, advancing Tri Sig to the championship match against Alpha Sigma Alpha. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Loser’s Bracket – Delta Zeta vs. Alpha Phi
Tuggers of Delta Zeta talk with fans of DZ after winning the first rope on Saturday during the 2025 Women’s Tugs Loser’s Bracket. DZ raised the least amount of donations for the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association with 25 dollars. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Tuggers for Alpha Phi yell out as they tug on the second rope on Saturday during the 2025 Women’s Tugs Loser’s Bracket. Alpha Phi won the second rope with the knot being just before the first tugger by time. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Tuggers for Alpha Phi yell while holding onto the second rope. Women’s Tugs 2025 was divided into five matches across five days. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Fans of Delta Zeta shout encouraging messages at DZ tuggers during the second rope on Saturday during the 2025 Women’s Tugs Loser’s Bracket. Alpha Phi raised the third most amount of money for Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association with $180. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Tuggers for Delta Zeta shout just before preparing to tug on the third rope on Saturday during the 2025 Women’s Tugs Loser’s Bracket. The 2025 Women’s Tugs Loser’s Bracket began at noon and ended just before 2 p.m. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)Members of Delta Zeta pose with their trophy after winning the loser’s bracket on Saturday during the 2025 Women’s Tugs. DZ won the Loser’s Bracket after winning the first and final ropes after reaching both time limits. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
