FHSU Sports Information
Fort Hays State Women’s Soccer pushed its win streak to four matches with a 2-1 comeback victory over Emporia State on Sunday afternoon in Emporia.
FHSU (10-4-2, 8-2-2 MIAA) now stands alone in third place of the conference standings with two conference games remaining, locking up a Top 4 finish in the MIAA regular season. The Tigers clinched a berth to the MIAA Tournament earlier this week.
ESU struck first, gaining an early advantage in the ninth minute of action. Off a pass from Kelsey Wakefield, the Lady Hornets’ Grace Linton picked up her team-leading sixth goal of the year at 8:40.
Down 1-0 after the break, FHSU tied the match on a penalty kick from Kelsey Steffens. Steffens was awarded a penalty kick at 55:49, capitalizing on the scoring chance by driving it past ESU’s Yadira Rivera.
Inside 20 minutes remaining in regulation, FHSU’s Hannah Smith recorded her first goal of the season off a corner kick from Steffens. Off an assist from Steffens, Smith’s head found the ball for the eventual game-winner.
For the game, FHSU outshot ESU, 17-14, and had eight shots on goal. Individually, Hailey Davey’s five shots (four on goal) led the team, while Hannah Jurgens, Kylee Loneker and Hannah Smith each had two shots.
Goalkeeper Kristen Thompson picked up four saves on the afternoon, grabbing win No. 10 on the year. Thompson has allowed just three goals over the previous nine games, including a stretch of five straight shutouts.
FHSU closes out its road trip next Thursday in Kearney, Neb., in a rematch with Nebraska-Kearney. The Tigers defeated UNK, 1-0, in the MIAA opener earlier this season. Game time on Thursday is set for 6:30 p.m. Fort Hays State returns to the FHSU Soccer Stadium on Sunday for Senior Day (and the regular season finale), taking on Washburn at 3:30 p.m.