By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
Fourth-seeded Fort Hays State defeated fifth-seeded Central Oklahoma 2-0 in the MIAA Tournament Quarterfinals on Sunday (Oct. 30). After a scoreless first half, the Tigers found the net twice to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2018. FHSU improved to 11-1-7 overall, while UCO moved to 11-4-4 overall and will now await its NCAA Tournament fate next weekend. Both the Tigers and Bronchos went into the match ranked among the top six in the NCAA region rankings.
The first Tiger goal came in the 59th minute on a set-piece as Megan Wiman sent a free kick soaring into the box for Hannah Mares to chip into the net. That extended her team-leading goals total to eight on the season. About 10 minutes later, Montserrat Diaz sealed the match for FHSU as she took a pass from Emily Hutchings and created some space at the front of the box before sending the ball past the keeper in the 69th minute, just moments after she entered the match.
The Tigers finished with 16 shots, one shy of their season high, compared to seven by the Bronchos. FHSU finished with six shots on goal, compared to one by UCO, which was saved by Isabel Robben. Caroline Faulkner finished with four saves on the night.
The Tigers are still unbeaten in the MIAA Tournament at home in their program history, now 4-0-2. All of those results have been in the tournament quarterfinals.
Fort Hays State turns its sights to the MIAA Tournament Semifinals where they will face top-seeded Central Missouri in Warrensburg on Friday (Nov. 4) at 3 p.m. FHSU and Central Missouri played to a 1-1 draw in the regular season meeting in Hays.