Women's Soccer | 9/25/2024 11:42:00 AM
Matches 6-7
Emporia State Hornets (2-2-1)
vs. Newman Jets (0-5-1)
Friday, Sep. 27 • 2:00 p.m. • Emporia, KS • ESU Pitch
Series Record: ESU leads 5-2-1 •
Last Meeting: ESU 4, at NU 2 (10/20/23)
vs. Central Oklahoma Bronchos (3-3-0)
Sunday, Sep. 29 • 1:00 p.m. • Emporia, KS • ESU Pitch
Series Record: UCO leads 8-3-3 •
Last Meeting: ESU 2, at UCO 1 (10/22/23)
MIAA OPENER
Emporia State continues their three-match homestand with their first two MIAA matches against Newman and Central Oklahoma.
LAST TIME OUT
The Hornets played their first match of the season at home in non-conference test against Drury on September 18. Emporia State defended well against the Panthers, as the lone goal allowed came from a penalty kick. With the Hornets trailing late in the match, a free kick from Ella Ruliffson deflected off the Panthers and past the goalkeeper to pull the score level. Ruliffson's first career goal allowed the Hornets to pull out a draw against the GLVC opponents.
TOP GUNN
Jane Grimley-Gunn is in year one at the helm of Hornet Soccer and is 2-2-1 with a roster that is balanced between 13 returners and 13 newcomers for 2024. Grimley-Gunn spent the previous two seasons as the head coach for Missouri S&T's women's program. In 2023, the Miners had their longest unbeaten streak to start a season since 1997 and made a trip to the GLVC Tournament for the fourth time in school history. She was 1-0-1 against the MIAA in her two years, defeating Missouri Southern and playing to a 0-0 tie against Washburn. Prior to her time in Rolla, Grimley-Gunn was the associate head coach at her alma mater Goldey-Beacom College for four years. In those four seasons, the Lightning went 48-24-4. She was also named a recipient of the "30 under 30" award by the United Soccer Coaches in 2019.Â
A LOOK AT THE HORNETS
Emporia State is 2-2-1 through the non-conference portion of the schedule and have played two opponents that are either receiving votes or ranked in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll. The Hornets have had four different goalscorers through their first five matches, with Abby Bachman and Megan Jeremias both recording two of their own. Bachman is leading Emporia Statewith five points and 11 shots as she has transitioned to playing out wide for the Hornets. Megyn Mahloch and Ella Ruliffson have each scored a goal and both have been crucial. Mahloch's goal gave the Hornets a lead over Northern State and proved to be the match winner and Ruliffson's pulled Emporia State level with Drury to force a draw in the home opener. New faces Ruby Ryan, Madeline Bracy and Aubrey Seltman have played the three most outfield minutes for the Hornets so far this season and have made an instant impact. Senior Hadlie Lowe has five shots on the season and newcomers Jeremias and Megan Kephart each have three of their own. In goal, Mackenzi Goen has started all five matches and played 431 minutes on the season. She has 27 and a .0771 save percentage.
ABOUT THE JETS
Newman is 0-5-1 this season with a draw against former MIAA foe Southwest Baptist and also have a pair of one-goal losses. The Jets have faced a healthy amount of offensive pressure through non-conference action as their opponents have averaged more than 17 shots per match. In the Jets, 2-2 draw with Southwest Baptist, Newman scored two of their three goals this season with came from Lexi Bauer and Marta Aranda. In goal, the Jets have played a trio of goalkeepers, with Carla Apodaca recording nearly 350 minutes between the posts so far this season.
ABOUT THE BRONCHOS
Central Oklahoma is 3-3 this season and 2-0 against Central Region opponents as they have wins against Southwestern Oklahoma and Southern Nazarene. Offensively, the Bronchos had 14 goals and 96 shot attempts through their first six matches. Rebekah George is the leading scorer so far this season with three goals and she has added an assist for a team-high seven points. A pair of freshman, Jordan Hahn and Caleah Carter have been a focal point of the attack this season, combining for 37 shot attempts and three goals. The goalkeeping for the Bronchos has been split this season between Avery Bass and Olivia Vigil. Bass has played slightly more minutes this season, 291:09, and has 16 saves.
