FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
The Fort Hays State women’s soccer team looks to stay in the chase for the MIAA title this weekend with two crucial home conference matches. The Tigers take on Northwest Missouri State under the lights on Friday (Oct. 7) at 8 pm, which follows a 5:30 pm men’s match, then round out the weekend on Sunday (Oct. 9) at 11 am when they faceoff with Missouri Western.
The Tigers enter the weekend at 6-3-1 overall and sit in a five-way tie for third place in the MIAA at 2-1. Both Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western are in that tie with the Tigers as well as Central Oklahoma and Lindenwood. Central Missouri and Northeastern State share the top spot with a 3-0 conference record so far.
The Fort Hays State defense has been backbone of the team all season long. The Tigers are currently 14th in the nation in goals against average (.471), having allowed just five goals all season. Anchoring that defense is CheyAnn Queener (953 min.) and Regan Lawler (941 min.) who sit one-two on the team respectively in minutes played.
On the offensive end, junior Eden Stoddard leads the way with six goals and an assist. Half of her goals have been clutch as game winners, ranking second in the MIAA in that category. Thalya Dwyer has also been a key piece to the Tiger offense this season as she has found the back of the net five times.
The Bearcats come to Hays on Friday with an overall record 4-4-1. They are coming off back-to-back shutouts in which they held their opponents to just four shots on goal combined. Izzy Romano is the main threat offensively for NWMSU as she leads the team in goals (3) and assists (4). Danielle Wolfe is also someone to keep an eye on as she has two goals and two assists this year.
Missouri Western will head to Kearney, Neb., to take on the Nebraska-Kearney Friday night before making the trek to Hays on Sunday. Heading into Friday the Griffons are 7-3 overall. The Griffons are one of the best road teams in the MIAA this year as they have won all four matches on trips outside of St. Joseph, Mo.
Cassidy Menke leads the team in goals with four, three which have been game winners. Bailey Dervin and Sydney Cluck each of found the back of the net three times for the Griffons and Sarah Blakely has done it twice.
Sunday’s match is also part of a doubleheader as the FHSU men’s team plays following the women at 2 pm.