By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
Fort Hays State locked up a first-round home match in the MIAA Tournament on Sunday (Oct. 28) with a 1-0 win over Washburn. The Tigers closed out the regular season at 10-6-2 overall, 8-3 in the MIAA, while Washburn moved to 7-9-2 overall and 3-6-2 in the MIAA.
A header goal by Olympia Katsouridis in the 83rd minute off a nice crossing pass from Cailey Perkins was all the Tigers needed for the victory. Nikita Woods also earned a helper on the play by passing ahead to Perkins before she sent in the crossing pass.
Shots were tough to come by throughout the afternoon with FHSU holding just an 8-6 advantage. The Tigers outshot the Ichabods by just one in each half, 3-2 in the first half and 5-4 in the second. Katsouridis and Perkins led the Tigers in shots with two each.
Deonna Wellbrock moved to 2-1 on the season in goal by earning a three-save shutout. Bailee Russell took the loss for Washburn, moving to 1-5-1 on the year.
The official MIAA Women’s Soccer Tournament bracket will come out soon, but the Tigers finished conference regular season play in a third-place tie with Emporia State. The Tigers will host an opening round game on Wednesday evening (Oct. 31) in Hays. Opponent and game time will be announced when the MIAA releases the official tournament bracket.