August 31, 2018- Emporia State Soccer started the 2018 season with a 3-1 win over Harding in the MIAA/GAC Challenge. With the win, the Hornets are now 7-1-1 all-time in the MIAA/GAC Challenge.
The Hornets took the lead early in the first half with a goal from Rachel Marshall (first of the season) on a pass from Jacki Martinek in the 16th minute. Kennedy Hoffman (first of the season) extended the Hornets lead in the 24th minute with a steal from the Bison defense taken in for a shot under the keepers hands into the lower left corner of the net. In the 28th minute, Tanna Benefiel (first of the season) gave the Hornets a 3-0 lead on a free kick from 30 yards out on the left side. The Hornets took the 3-0 lead into half time. In the second period, the Bison closed the gap to 3-1 on a goal scored by Melanie Matkins on a cross from Emma Welch into the lower left corner.
The Hornets held on to the 3-1 lead to take the win. Emporia State out-shot Harding 12-10 in the match and took advantage of four corner kicks to the Bison's one. The Hornets were led by Tanna Benefiel, Kennedy Hoffman and Rachel Marshall each with one goal while Jacki Martinek had the only assist for the Hornets.
The Hornets will be back in action on Sunday, September 3 as they take on Ouachita Baptist in the MIAA/GAC Challenge at 1:00 p.m.
