By DYLAN SWIHART
Tiger Media Network
The Fort Hays State Women’s soccer team hosted the #6 Washburn Ichabods for the Tigers Senior Night on Friday. The Tigers struggled with possession time and the Ichabods were able to capitalize with a goal in the second half that led to a 1-0 win over FHSU.
“We knew that we were going to be up for a challenge playing number six in the country,” said FHSU Head Coach Tyson John. “We thought we’d have a better advantage if we were at home.”
Washburn entered the contest at the top of the MIAA conference coming into Hays 8-0-1 in conference play and 14-1-1 overall. The Tigers entered the match 7-1-1 in the conference and 11-2-3 overall, tied for second in the conference with Central Missouri. The loss to the Ichabods sent the Tigers down to third in MIAA.
Washburn continued their dominant season by limiting the Tigers’ possession time and runs. The Tigers only managed six shots with three being on goal. The Ichabods had nine shots with three on goal, but Khloe Schuckman capitalized for the Ichabods in the 52nd minute scoring the only goal of the game.
“Quite a few calls didn’t go our way today and that is still no excuse for us, we had our chances, they had theirs and they took their one chance and ran with it,” John said. “For us now, it’s that we still have a lot of soccer ahead of us.
Despite the loss, the Tigers have clinched a spot and a home bid in the 2023 MIAA Tournament.
The Tigers look to put the loss to the Ichabods behind them and look forward to their game in Kearney on Sunday.
“Obviously just win and win by as much as we can, that would feel really good,” senior forward, Jersey Garoutte said about going into their game with the Lopers.” It’s hard because we’re going to go through hard losses and hard times. Positivity is the key to a lot of things so hopefully we go far.”
“As long as we can do our job on Sunday and then continue to do our job moving forward, the NCAA’s, we’re not out of it,” John added.
Friday’s game was Senior Night for the women’s soccer team’s seniors. Nine of the 11 total seniors on the roster have seen playing time this year.
“It’s crucial and it’s going to be a tough rebuild losing nine players,” John said about the seniors.
For Garoutte, looking back on her time as a Tiger will always bring up fond memories.
“Soccer has been something very healing for me… and it’s allowed me to prioritize school in a way but also have something that I can always turn to,” Garoutte said. “It’s been very helpful to know that I have a family here and that I can do something that helps me take the stress out of my day. I love it here.”
The Tigers finish out their regular season on Sunday on the road at Nebraska-Kearney. The first round of the MIAA Tournament will be hosted by the Tigers at 7:00 p.m. Friday against Northeastern State at FHSU Soccer Stadium.
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