By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
After winning eight of its nine matches, the Fort Hays State women’s soccer team ended their MIAA season with an 8-3 record, good enough for a No. 4 seed in the conference tournament. The Tigers host No. 5 seeded and 7-4 Missouri Western for a 6 p.m. tilt in the first round of the MIAA tournament on Wednesday (Oct. 31). Fort Hays State enters the contest with an overall record of 10-6-2.
Fort Hays State secured the win against the Griffons during regular season as they claimed a 2-1 victory at home on Oct. 5. Both squads were even in shots during the contest, with each attempting 12 through the match. Cailey Perkins and Zariah Smith netted the two goals for the Tigers to give them the conference win. Megan Kneefel earned the win in net for FHSU after collecting three saves against Griffon shots.
This will be the third conference tournament meeting between the Griffons and the Tigers. In 2016, FHSU and Missouri Western tied before the Tigers advanced on penalty kicks. Two years prior in 2014, Fort Hays State earned the 1-0, double-overtime victory against the Griffons to move into the conference semifinals. This will be the fifth-consecutive season the Tigers have hosted a first-round matchup in the conference tournament. Their latest appearance found them advancing against Missouri Southern following 12 rounds of penalty kicks.
The Tigers enter the matchup on a five-game win-streak, with their last loss coming at the hands of No. 17 Central Missouri, 1-0. The Tigers are out-scoring their opponents 28-21 so far this season. Cailey Perkins leads Fort Hays State with her seven goals and seven assists during her freshman campaign. Nine other Tigers have recorded at least one goal this year. However, their opponents are out-shooting FHSU by a 217-192 margin.
Tomorrow’s first-round matchup against Missouri Western will be a Halloween Spooktacular including free admission for all FHSU students. Adults admission will be $5 and children six and under are also admitted at no charge. Come dressed in costume as the top five costume participants will get to come onto the field and attempt a goal against Victor E. Tiger at halftime of the contest.