By CAYDEN SANDERS
Photos by REBEKAH REED
Tiger Media Network
The Fort Hays State University women’s soccer team picked up where it left off last season in its first two matches. The Tigers welcomed Northwestern Oklahoma State on Thursday night and played Southwestern College on Saturday.
The Tigers started hot in both matchups, getting goals as early as the third minute in both contests.
Against Northwestern Oklahoma State, the Tigers scored in the third minute thanks to last year’s leading scorer, Hannah Mares.
“It felt really good to get that first goal of the season, and it was a big confidence boost to kick off the season – and I am excited for other games,” she said.
Not even seven minutes later, Montserrat Diaz scored her own goal to give the Tigers a commanding lead over the Rangers.
The Rangers tried to stay close. Lily Anderson found Isabella McMillan to score their lone goal in the 25th minute.
Both teams were shut down for the rest of the 65 minutes.
For head coach Tyson John, it was a good win to start the season.
“Tonight was the game we wanted to come out well and set the game. Historically, we have been a second-half team, and it was nice to get out and play ahead,” John said.
On Saturday, the Tigers faced NAIA in-state opponent Southwestern College of Winfield. FHSU started quickly once again as senior Sullivan Kelly scored in the second minute.
From then, Mares went on a tear for the Tigers, scoring goals in the 19th, 49th and 59th minutes of the match to earn a hat trick.
FHSU looks to continue its perfect streak at home this weekend with two Northern Sun Conference teams traveling to Hays. On Friday night, the Tigers host Sioux Falls (0-1). On Sunday, FHSU hosts Augustana (2-0), who beat 13th-ranked Central Missouri earlier this season.
You must be logged in to post a comment.