September 14, 2026 - A hat trick by Megan Kephart propelled Emporia State past Oklahoma Baptist 5-1 at the ESU Pitch on Monday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets struck first inside of seven minutes, as the Hornets slipped Ella Favot in behind the Bison backline before she placed it back in front of gaol for Kephart to tap home for the early 1-0 lead. Emporia State's lead doubled just eight minutes later as Kephart recorded her second of the match. Emporia State won possession deep in their own half, and Aubrey Seltman played a long through ball to put Kephart through on gaol where she converted the one on one opportunity to make the score 2-0.
Despite multiple chances over the final 30 minutes of the first half, the score remained at 2-0 entering the break.
Following the intermission, Emporia State conceded just three minutes in as Oklahoma Baptist cut the Hornet lead in half. The Hornets, who had the wind advantage in the first 45 minutes, were now setup with the wind in their face but were not deterred in attack as they continued to pepper the OBU goal with shots.
Emporia State tallied four shots and two on target after the Bison score before finally restoring their two-goal advantage. In the 61st minute, Kephart again found the back of the net. After the Bison goalkeeper initially stifled the Hornet attempt on goal, Kephart secured the rebound and slotted the ball home for her third of the match, completing her first Hornet hat trick.
The Hornets stayed applying pressure over the final half hour, and found two more goals in the last 18 minutes. In the 73rd minute, Taylor McFalls scored the first of her career and just seven minutes later, Avery Zimmerman capped the scoring with her first of the season to seal the 5-1 win for Emporia State.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State again piled on the shots, this time tallying 19 with 14 attempts on goal. Megan Kephart scored three to secure her first hat trick of her career, while Taylor McFalls and Avery Zimmerman both also found the back of the net. Ella Favot added three points to her season tally, as she assisted three goals on the afternoon.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will begin MIAA action on Friday, September 18 as they host Nebraska-Kearney on the ESU Pitch. Kickoff between the Hornets and Lopers is set for 4:00 p.m.
NOTES
Megan Kephart's three goals are the most by a Hornet player in a match since Mackenzie Dimarco scored four against Newman on October 20, 2023. Her hat trick is the first hat trick by an Emporia State player since Dimarco had three in 6-0 over Missouri Western on October 2, 2022.
