Women's Soccer | 10/8/2026 11:55:00 AM

Matches 12-13
Emporia State Hornets (5-3-3, 2-1-2 MIAA)
vs. Newman Jets (0-9-3, 0-5-1 MIAA)
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 • 3:00 p.m •  Emporia, Kan. • ESU Pitch
Series History: ESU leads 7-2-1 • Last Meeting: ESU 3, at NU 1 (9/26/25)

vs. #18 Washburn Ichabods (9-1-1, 5-1-0 MIAA)
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026 • 1:00 p.m. • Emporia, Kan. • ESU Pitch
Series History: WU leads 20-19-5 • Last Meeting: ESU 3, at WU 2 (11/9/25) - MIAA QF
Complete Notes in PDF • The MIAA Network • Live Stats

GOOD TO BE HOME
Emporia State soccer returns to the ESU Pitch this weekend as they host both Newman and #18 Washburn.

LAST TIME OUT
The Hornets played played a tough pair of matches on the road last week, which started with #4 Pittsburg State on Friday. Emporia State struggled to create much in attack, but held strong in defense against the Gorillas and played the hosts to a scoreless draw. Emporia State followed with a trip to Edmond on Sunday where they took on Central Oklahoma. Neither found an edge in the first half, with the score remaining 0-0, but shortly following the halftime break, the Bronchos found the pivotal goal, scoring in the 52nd minute on their way to getting past the Hornets 1-0.

ABOUT THE COACHES
Jane Grimley-Gunn is in year three at Emporia State in 2026 and has a 20-17-11 record with the Hornets.
Dylan Gruntzel is in his fifth year at Newman and is 5-70-9 in his time with the Jets.
Davy Phillips is 102-55-19 in his tenth season as the head coach at Washburn.

TOP GUNN
Jane Grimley-Gunn is in year two at the helm of Hornet Soccer and is 20-17-11. 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. 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. 

A LOOK AT THE HORNETS
Emporia State is 5-3-3 through the first 11 matches of the season and have started 2-1-2 in the MIAA with wins over Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State with draws against Northeastern State and #4 Pittsburg State as part of their recent road trip. Ella Favot and Megan Kephart lead the way for the Hornets in attack, as they both have five goals, while Favot has added five assists as she ranks second in points in the MIAA this season. Avery Zimmerman leads another eight players for Emporia State that have scored this season as she has three goals. Ava Huston and Amy Paver have also both scored twice.

SCOUTING THE JETS
Newman is 0-9-3 this season with an 0-5-1 mark in the MIAA as they claimed their first MIAA point against Fort Hays State last Sunday. In attack, Aleksah Moreno and Allison Hernandez have both scored twice to combine for four of six Newman goals this season. In goal, Emma Lintecum has played 765 minutes and has a 71 saves for an .826 save percentage.

SERIES HISTORY
Emporia State leads the series with Newman 7-2-1 with the Hornets winning all five matches since 2021.

SCOUTING THE ICHABODS
Washburn is 9-1-1 overall with a 5-1 record in the MIAA as their only loss has come at Pittsburg State. The Ichabods are outscoring their opponents 29-4 this season and have tallied seven shutouts while being held below two goals in just two matches this season. Leah Henke is leading the way with six goals while Bricelyn Betts and Avery McCorry have both scored five goals. In goal, Lili Everley has played all but 63 minutes and has six solo shutouts with 26 saves on the season.

SERIES HISTORY
Washburn leads the series over Emporia State 20-19-4 with the Hornets and Ichabods playing to a 5-5-1 record over the past five seasons. In those 11 matches, eight matches have been decided by one goal in addition to the draw at the end of the regular season in 2025.