FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
KEARNEY, Neb. – The 21st-ranked Fort Hays State women’s soccer team will look for its first MIAA Regular Season Championship in two days thanks to a 3-0 win at Nebraska-Kearney on Friday (Oct. 28). With the win the Tigers improved to 13-3-1 overall and 9-1 in the MIAA. The Lopers dropped to 6-8-3 overall and 3-5-2 in the MIAA and the result eliminates them from a chance for a spot in the MIAA Tournament.
The win for the Tigers also ties the program record for consecutive wins in a season with seven, and it puts them one win shy of their overall program record of 14 wins in a season.
After an uneventful first half that saw just a single shot on goal from either team, the Tiger offense stepped up and delivered. Jasmine Beaulieu gave the Tigers the 1-0 lead in the 65th minute when she recorded her second goal of the season. Kelsey Steffens and Beaulieu connected to execute a successful give-and-go that resulted with Beaulieu alone in front of the net 10 yards out.
Thalya Dwyer made it a 2-0 game with her sixth goal of the season in the 74th minute. A pass from Silvana Romero set up Dwyer with a breakaway and Dwyer chipped the ball over an aggressive goalkeeper 15 yards out.
Steffens added late insurance with just under a minute and a half remaining in the match. About 10 yards out she took a shot that the UNK keeper was able to deflect but quick on her toes, Steffens was able to win the race to the rebound and send the ball across the goal line for her sixth goal of the season.
The Tigers recorded their fifth shutout in the last six games. Abbie Flax earned her ninth shutout of the season between the pipes, stopping three shots on net.
The final match of the regular season will be Sunday (Oct. 30) when the Tigers look to claim at least a share of the MIAA regular-season title on Senior Day. Washburn will be the final MIAA team standing in their way. Kickoff is set for 11 am at FHSU Soccer Stadium in Hays.