By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
Fort Hays State women’s soccer finished with a 2-2 draw against Missouri Western State on Sunday (Oct. 1). The Tie moves the Tiger’s record to 6-1-3, 2-0-1 in conference play, while the Griffons record now stands at 3-3-4, 1-0-2 in MIAA action.
Another windy afternoon at the FHSU soccer stadium limited the number of opportunities for the Tiger offense in the first period, attacking right into the direction of the wind, but it did not stop the Tigers from scoring. Fort Hays State got on the board first after a great possession where Emily Hutchings led Sullivan Kelly perfectly up the pitch, allowing Kelly to cross it to Claire Gaeth who put it in for the score.
The Griffons tied things back up at 1-1 after being rewarded a penalty kick in the box after a handball by Tiger defender Lynette Hawkins. Jaden Skinner netted the PK, sneaking it past the diving keeper in the 33′. A few moments later Skinner struck again from outside the box to give MWSU the 2-1 lead. Skinner’s second goal of the opening period was assisted by Knisley Kendall and Camrin Peaslee.
Missouri Western had more chances to score in the first half, but Isabel Robben recorded a one-handed tip save off a Griffon free kick attempt from midfield. Robben finished the match with three saves, while the Griffon’s goalie had two.
Both teams struggled to find quality looks to start the second period. With 23 minutes left in the match Allison Worley was able to beat the defense and net her fourth goal of the year to make it 2-2.
Each team continued to fight hard until the final whistle, but neither could score the go-ahead goal. Fort Hays State is now 10-2-4 all-time against Missouri Western.
The Tigers will continue conference play with two more home matches next weekend in Hays as they will welcome the Newman Jets and the Central Oklahoma Bronchos. Fort Hays State will first take on Newman on Friday (Oct. 6) at 6 p.m.
Friday
The Fort Hays State women’s soccer team took care of business in their first home conference match on Friday (Sept. 29) against Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers defeated the Bearcats by a score of 1-0 to improve to 6-1-2, 2-0 in MIAA play, while the Bearcats fell to 3-4-2, 0-2 in conference play. Fort Hays State got on the board early and used their defense the rest of the way to secure the victory.
Despite the harsh headwinds, Fort Hays State was able to put together a great possession in the 3′ of play. Claire Gaeth and Sullivan Kelly were able to maneuver the ball up to Gracen Chaney who slid to the left side of the box. Chaney perfectly executed a lob shot into the wind and over the Northwest goalie for the lone goal of the match and her first goal of the season.
The Tiger defense kept with the trend of playing solid defense on Friday night. Fort Hays State has surrendered the second fewest number of goals in the conference with just five through nine matches. The defense did not allow many easy looks at all, even when the Bearcats had the benefit of the wind in the first period. The Bearcats were held to four shots in the first period, none of which were on target, and only three shots in the second period.
Keeper Isabel Robben notched two saves on the match, one being a one-handed diving save to preserve the lead.
Fort Hays State stays atop of the MIAA conference standings alongside Washburn.