HORNETS FACE LOPERS AND TIGERS
The Emporia State soccer team is set for a pair of road games at Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State this weekend. The Hornets will play Nebraska-Kearney in a late night game on Friday and face Fort Hays State Sunday afternoon.
LAST TIME OUT
Nikki Schmitz made six saves in a losing effort as the Emporia State soccer team fell to Central Missouri in Warrensburg 2-0. Jordan Foutch, Mallory Walden, Tommi Bouknight, and Nichole Marean had shots for the Hornets, who posted two shots in each half. The Jennies took the lead at half time through a 37th minute goal by Carly Stanley. Alex Robbers doubled Central Missouri’s advantage with a goal six minutes into the second half.
THE COACHES?
Bryan Sailer is 6-14-6 in his second season at Emporia State. Prior to coming to ESU he led Barton County Community College to a 59-23-2 overall record in four seasons. He led them to the KJCAA Championships during the 2008 season and was named Jayhawk Conference Coach of the Year after guiding Barton to an 18-4 record.
John Maessner is in his first season as head coach of Nebraska-Kearney with an overall record of 5-3-1.
Craig Shaw is in his second season with Fort Hays State with a career record of 11-14-1.
SERIES HISTORY
This is the first meeting between Emporia State and Nebraska-Kearney.
This is the third meeting between Emporia State and Fort Hays State. The Tigers have a 1-0-1 lead over the Hornets all-time.
LAST TIME VS. FORT HAYS STATE
Emporia State scored twice and had 17 shots in the second half, but could not overcome three first half goals and lost to Fort Hays State 3-2 on Oct. 6 in Emporia. Ashley Hill got the Hornets on the board in the 49th minute, while Jessica Decker added a second goal in the 84th minute off a Mallory Walden corner. The Hornets outshot the TIgers 20-13. Becca Andres, Cindy Benitez, and Hailey Davey scored for the Tigers.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Nebraska-Kearney lost its last game, 3-0 at Missouri Southern. Mckinzie Rieber has three goals on the season to lead the Lopers while Montanna Hosterman, Tara Knowlton, and Kristyn Otter have each scored twice. Goalkeeper Marissa Nilday has posted two shutouts and a 1.19 goals against average in nine games.
Fort Hays State beat Friends 6-0 at home on Monday. Sade Humphrey leads the Tigers with four goals on the season. Jordan Hester is the top scorer with 10 points (three goals, four assists). The Tigers are second in the MIAA entering this week averaging 21.14 shots per game, and have outscored opponents 19-4.
HEY, NICE SHOT
The Hornets are getting good looks at goal as five players have a shot on goal percentage over .600. Elizabeth High leads the team with a .786 mark (11-for-14) while Jordan Foutch (4-for-6), Ashleigh Harris (6-for-9), and Sarah Crawford (2-for-3) have a .667 mark. Mindi Lozenski rounds out the pack shooting .625 (10-for-16).
STRONG AT THE BACK
The Hornets defense consisting of Emily Haselwood, Ashlyn Parker, Shannon Thomas and Katie Wolfe has held opponents to 41 shots on goal through eight games, the fifth fewest total in the MIAA. Goalkeeper Nikki Schmitz ranks seventh in the MIAA with a 0.91 goals against average.
UP NEXT
Emporia State hosts Northwest Missouri on Oct. 5 at ESU Pitch. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
