October 18, 2024 - Emporia State allowed just three shots on goal and used a combination of throw-ins to set pieces to power a 3-0 shutout win over Rogers State on Friday night.
The Hornets jumped right onto the front foot early in the match, forcing three corner kicks and getting shots on goal from
Megyn Mahloch and
Abby Bachman in the first 13 minutes of the match. Mahloch would be the one to get the scoring started, as she converted a chance in front of goal in the 18th minute following a throw-in by
Hadlie Lowe. Lowe's throw cleared the first defender off the first bounce and found Mahloch in the six-yard box where she put the Hornets ahead 1-0. The pressure continued for Emporia State, as two more shots, this time from
Sade Lee and
Ruby Ryan forced a pair of saves from the Rogers State goalkeeper.
The lead was eventually doubled in the 36th minute following free-kick near midfield.
Abby Bachman played the free-kick out to the right for
Aubrey Seltman who was able to carry the ball down the wing before crossing into the box. Seltman's cross found
Hailey Gancarz near the back post. Gancarz's shot glanced off a defender and past the keeper for her first career goal as the Hornets increased their lead to 2-0.
In the first half, Emporia State outshot the Hillcats 6-4 and tallied four corner kicks, with all six shots being on goal. Following the halftime break, the first shot on target for Rogers State was recorded in the 47th minute, forcing the first save of the match for
Mackenzi Goen. Mahloch recorded her third shot of the match in the 54th minute, which forced a save and Goen's second save came shortly after in the 60th minute. The final goal for the Hornets came in the 68th minute, as
Mia Sandvig scored the first of her career on a free kick from nearly 30 yards out. Sandvig beat the wall and placed the ball into the top right corner to bolster the Emporia State lead to 3-0.
The Hornets were able to see out the final 22 minutes, allowing just one more shot on goal which was saved by Goen to clinch the 3-0 win over the Hillcats, their third shutout of the season.
Megyn Mahloch's goal was her third of the season while
Hailey Gancarz and
Mia Sandvig each scored the first goals of their career.
Hadlie Lowe and
Aubrey Seltman each recorded an assist, which were there first career assists.
Mackenzi Goen recorded her third shutout of the season, which is the eighth of her career, tying Nikki Schmitz (2009-12) for fourth-most in program history.
Emporia State will be back in action on Sunday, October 20 as they travel to Tahlequah, Okla. for matchup with Northeastern State. Kickoff between the Hornets and Riverhawks is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
