HORNET SOCCER SEASON COMES TO AN END IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

November 21, 2021-Emporia State was held scoreless for the first time since 2017 in a 1-0 loss to Bemidji State on Sunday afternoon in the second round of the NCAA Central Regional Tournament on the ESU Pitch.
 
The Hornets opened the match going against the 15-25 mph winds in the first half and the wind caused some problems for both teams.  There were only eight total shots in the first 45 minutes with each team getting credited for four shots.  With under 12 minutes remaining the Beavers had a throw in from about 30 yards out.  The Hornets could not get a clean clear out and Maria Nguyen was able to get a kick from about 18 yards out on the right side to sneak past the Hornet defense and just past the outstretched arm of Jillian Patton into the lower left hand side of the goal.  Bemidji took a 1-0 lead into the second half.
 
Emporia State was more aggressive in the second half with five shots and nine corners after intermission.  Ten minutes into the half the Hornets had back to back corners and a sideline flip throw from Ashlyn Lakin in the span of about 30 seconds but they could not convert.   
 
The Hornets had another good chance at a score in the 62^nd minute following a corner kick by Joanie Westcoat. Aislinn Hughes got a head on the ball, but the Beavers were able to clear the ball from the goal line.  Angela Palmer then had a shot from 30 yards out in the 69^th minute that just sailed over the cross bar.
 
Lakin sent a shot over the goal in the 82^nd minute then with under three minutes left Westcoat took a free kick from about 30 yards out on the left side that bounced off the cross bar. Bemidji State's Halle Peterson picked up a yellow card to stop the clock with 1:37 left in the match. Lakin took the free kick from about 35 yards but the Beaver wall was able to block it and Bemidji was able to run out the clock for the 1-0 win.
 
Emporia State ended with a 9-5 advantage in shots and out-cornered Bemidji 9-3 in the match. 
 
The Hornets end the season 19-3-1 and won their first MIAA Tournament Championship.    Although they will be losing six players to graduation, the top four scorers for Emporia State are set to return next season.
 
NOTES
Emporia State saw their 27 match home pitch unbeaten string and 12 match home pitch winning streak come to an end. The last previous loss on the ESU Pitch for the Hornets was a 3-0 loss to Washburn on October 27, 2017 with the last tie coming on October 20, 2019, a 1-1 decision against Newman.
Emporia State was shut out for the first time since a 4-0 loss to Central Missouri in the MIAA Tournament on November 1, 2017.

Emporia State Post Game Press Conference


Bemidji State Post Match Press Conference