By ELI BLANKINSHIP
Tiger Media Network
After a challenging first half of the season, the Fort Hays State Women’s Soccer Team has found its stride defensively, coming away with three draws over the Tigers’ last four matches. At the center of that success is sophomore centerback Anjaleena Gomez.
“Even going back to Washburn, I think this group has really come together,” said Head Coach Alex Hagan. “That’s kind of when we started inserting Anjaleena into it, so I think you can kind of see a common denominator on her that she’s done really well, just kind of stepping her way into it as she’s kind of come off that injury, and it’s kind of created a whole lot of calmness for our defense.”
Gomez played a crucial role in FHSU’s three straight draws, including a 0-0 draw against No. 3 Pittsburg State University at home. After the Tigers’ unlikely result against the Gorillas, Gomez was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week by the conference on Tuesday, October 13 alongside her goalkeeper Katie Stoskopf, who was named MIAA Goalkeeper of the Week for conceding just one goal across two draws.
Gomez was asked what being recognized by the conference meant to her and the Tigers’ defense.
“It means a lot,” Gomez said. “I don’t think it was just me, though. I think the team came together and really worked. It just proves that we can do it and anything can happen, so it’ll really help us in the long run.”
After suffering a 2-0 loss against Northwest Missouri State in their final home match of the season, the Tigers are still in the hunt to make the MIAA Tournament, just two wins out of the No. 8 spot with three road games remaining in the regular season.
“I think the important thing with this defense is for them to continue to try to reach the potential I think they can,” Hagan said. ”We kind of talked about the spine being like the center backs, the holding midfielders, and then right up through the middle of the field. If we can have a really strong spine throughout the field, I think we’re going to have a really strong team moving forward.”
Fort Hays State Women’s Soccer returns to the pitch at 4 p.m. on Friday in Edmond, Oklahoma, as they take on Central Oklahoma. The match can be streamed live on the MIAA Network.