By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
The Fort Hays State women’s soccer team advanced to the MIAA Tournament semifinals after defeating Northeastern State on Friday night (Nov. 3) by a score of 2-0. The RiverHawks finished their season at 6-9-4 overall, while Fort Hays State improved to 13-3-3.
The Tiger offense produced two late first half goals after the match started as a defensive stalemate. Fort Hays State was on the attack for a good chunk of the first period but could not get open looks at the net, but on the other side of the field they were not allowing Northeastern any looks either. The Tigers outshot the RiverHawks 7-5 in the opening period, and just one of NSU’s shots were on goal.
Skylar Forrest put the Tigers on top with a header in the 34′. Forrest went jumping through the air in front of the box to head the pass from Sullivan Kelly. Both Kelly and Jersey Garoutte were credited with the assist. Fort Hays State gained even more control of the match in the 43′ off a goal from Allison Worley. Reilly Madden put a shot on goal that was deflected right back into Worley’s path who was at the right spot at the right time to make it a 2-0 game.
The Tigers then shifted their focus to playing stout defense to preserve the lead. Fort Hays State did not allow a single shot in the second half. Isabel Robbenhad her job made easy thanks to the defensive efforts by Madden, Emily Hutchings, Megan Wiman, and the rest of the team. Robben finished the match with one save that came in the first period.
With the win, Tyson John has now made it beyond the opening round of the MIAA Tournament in both his seasons at the helm of the FHSU program.
The Tigers will hit the road next week for the semifinal match and will be taking on Central Missouri in Wichita, Kan. at the Stryker Sports Complex. The match will be played at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9.