FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
HAYS, Kan. – The 23rd-ranked Fort Hays State women’s soccer team earned another big MIAA win on Sunday (Oct. 23) with a 3-1 victory over Central Oklahoma. The Tigers moved to 12-3-1 overall and 8-1 in the MIAA, remaining on top of the conference standings with just two matches to play. The Bronchos drop to 10-5-1 overall and 6-3 in the conference.
This is another big win for the Tigers in the NCAA Regional picture. The Tigers went into the week ranked No. 5 in the Central Region, but knocked off No. 3 ranked Northeastern State and No. 4 ranked Central Oklahoma. FHSU also handed No. 2 ranked Minot State its only loss of the season. Now with wins over the No. 2, 3, and 4 ranked teams in the region, the Tigers could make a big leap in next week’s rankings. Central Missouri is No. 1 in the region and is the only team to defeat the Tigers in conference play this year. But UCM has a conference loss and went into Sunday tied with FHSU for first in the MIAA standings.
Kelsey Steffens gave the Tigers the 1-0 lead in the 25th minute when she recorded her fifth goal of the season. Dani Harris sent a great through pass to the sprinting Steffens who fired a shot from 10 yards out to beat the diving keeper.
Mikayla Lowery knotted the score at 1-1 when she tallied her fourth goal of the season for the Bronchos. After a corner kick, Kelsey Gordon sent a header that a Tiger defender was able to block on the goal line but Lowery took the rebound and had a header of her own that found the back of the net at the 30:04 mark.
Hannah Jurgens put the Tigers back on top 2-1 before the half was over with her second goal of the year. Thalya Dwyer sent a nice ball to Jurgens inside the box and she ripped a shot from right around the penalty kick stripe that found the back of the net.
The Tigers extended their lead to 3-1 in the second half when Hannah Smith tallied her third goal of the season. Darby Hirsch sent a beautiful corner kick into the box and Smith gained position to send an uncontested header past the UCO keeper at the 71:50 mark.
Abbie Flax picked up the win for FHSU saving six of the seven shots put on goal by UCO. She is now 10-3-1 on the season.
Fort Hays State’s quest for an MIAA Regular Season Championship continues when they head to Nebraska-Kearney on Friday (Oct. 28). The match is set for 2 pm.