FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
HAYS, Kan. – The 23rd ranked Fort Hays State women’s soccer team remained in a tie for first place in the MIAA on Friday (Oct. 21) with a thrilling 1-0 double overtime win against Northeastern State. The Tigers are tied with Central Missouri at 7-1 in the conference standings. FHSU moved to 11-3-1 overall. The RiverHawks dropped to 5-3 in the MIAA and 12-3 overall.
It was a defensive battle for all 103:42 of play. Both teams had chances in regulation, but neither could capitalize. In the first 90 minutes the Tigers had 12 shots with four on net, while NSU scattered nine shots with four on net.
In the first 10-minute overtime neither team could gain the control. In the second overtime, however, the Tigers took advantage of 1-on-1 breakaway opportunity. Just over three minutes in, the RiverHawks were attacking and had the ball in the FHSU box. A loose ball was cleared by the Tigers that landed at the feet of Hannah Smith. Smith then launched a deep pass to Kelsey Steffens and it was off to the races as she just had one defender to beat.
With a step on her defender streaking down the left side, Steffens put on the breaks and cut right about six yards out from the goal. The keeper did all she could to get a piece of the ball but there was no chance to stop a rocket from Steffens. She buried the ball with 6:18 remaining on the scoreboard to claim the win for the Tigers. It was her fourth goal of the season.
Abbie Flax was big for the Tigers in goal with five saves on the night. With the victory her record improved to 9-4-1. Jordan Woodruff took the loss for NSU but was equally solid with five saves.
The Tigers ran their win streak to five matches and the last four have been shutouts. The last three contests have all been decided by the narrow 1-0 margin.
The win was big for FHSU in the region rankings as Northeastern State is No. 3. The Tigers are No. 5, but now have wins over the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked teams in the region.
Fort Hays State looks to stay hot Sunday (Oct. 23) when they welcome Central Oklahoma, the No. 4 ranked team in the region. The match is set for 11 am. Central Oklahoma fell out of a tie for first place in the conference with an overtime loss at Nebraska-Kearney on Friday.