September 2, 2026 - Emporia State tallied 22 shots and 16 shots on goal on Wednesday, but fell 3-2 against Rockhurst at the ESU Pitch.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first five minutes of the match proved to be a flurry of action between both sides, and it began with Emporia State just ninety seconds in. The Hornets had the first opportunity of the match and capitalized. Emporia State won possession in the midfield and after the ball fell to Megan Kephart, the junior forward found Ava Huston to her left. Huston was able to find her right foot and beat the Rockhurst keeper into the bottom left to put Emporia State ahead 1-0.
However, despite the early advantage for the hosts, Rockhurst answered with two goals in the next three minutes to quickly move ahead 2-1. With the help of the south breeze, the visitors continued to apply pressure against the Hornet defense. The third goal for Rockhurst came midway through the first half, just preceding the water break and the Hawks took the 3-1 lead.
Emporia State's deficit continued until the 40th minute, as the Hornets found their second. Hailey Gancarz found Ella Favot along the left side of the box as the Hornets pulled within one.
Following the break, Emporia State gained the advantage of wind at their back and quickly applied the pressure on the Rockhurst defense. The Hornets tallied five shots in the first 15 minutes of the second period, which included three attempts on goal, forcing a save.Â
Rockhurst nearly doubled their advantage with 25 minutes to play, as a chance glanced off the crossbar before being cleared away by the Hornets.Â
The Hornets continued their pressure throughout the second half, racking up a total of 16 shots and 11 on goal, but most fell easily to the Rockhurst keeper as Emporia State was unable to generate an equalizer as the dropped their midweek matchup 3-2.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State held a 22-10 shot advantage with a 16-6 edge in attempts on target. Ella Favot, Megan Kephart and Ava Huston all had four shots each, with Favot and Huston each scoring for the Hornets on the day.
UP NEXT
The Hornets will travel to the Sooner State on Saturday, September 5 as they take on Southwestern Oklahoma at 1:00 p.m. in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
