Third-seeded Fort Hays State Women's Soccer begins postseason play this week, hosting No. 6 seed Missouri Western in a MIAA Tournament first round contest on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Game time at FHSU Soccer Stadium is 6 p.m., with the winning team advancing to the semifinals in Olathe, Kan., this weekend.
The Tigers (12-4-2, 10-2-2 MIAA) enter Wednesday's matchup on a hot streak, winning six consecutive matches with an eight-game unbeaten streak, outscoring opponents 15-3 during that span, which dates back to Oct. 10.
Hailey Davey's 10 assists leads the MIAA, as the senior forward tied the school record for single-season assists last weekend against Washburn. Davey holds the school record for assists in a game, tallying three in two separate matches this season (at Sioux Falls, vs Northwest Missouri State). She is first on the team in overall points (20), adding five goals to her assist total for the year.
Freshman
Kelsey Steffens is close behind Davey with 19 points, and sits as the team's top goal scorer, tallying seven goals in her first season at FHSU. She is second on the team in assists (five) as well.
As a team, FHSU ranks third in several offensive and defensive categories in the MIAA, including points (93), goals (32), assists (29), goals allowed (12) and goals against average (0.64). The Tigers' 10 shutouts this season is tied for second in the conference alongside Central Missouri.
FHSU's defense is anchored by senior
Jamie Babyak (1,669 minutes), junior
Mallory Diederich (1,690 minutes) and sophomore
Hannah Smith (1,365 minutes), who have started all 18 games for FHSU this season and lead the team in minutes played. Davey is the only other Tiger to start all 18 matches. Diederich has been key on the offensive side of the ball as well, scoring three goals on the year (including two against Nebraska-Kearney last week) and assisting in two other scores.
Redshirt freshman
Kristen Thompson has played every minute in goal for Fort Hays State, posting a school record 12 shutouts and limiting opponents to a 0.64 goals against average, which currently ranks as the lowest in school history. She has recorded 73 saves in 1,690 minutes of play.
Missouri Western (9-8-1, 6-7-1 MIAA) dropped a 1-0 contest to FHSU earlier this season (Oct. 19), and arrives in the playoffs losing four of its last five matchups. The Griffons have scored 17 goals this season as a team, led by Tara Russell's 10 points (four goals, two assists) and K.C. Ramsell's seven points (three goals, one assist). As a team, MWSU has allowed 16 goals, with goalkeeper Sarah Lyle posting a 0.85 goals against average in 1,691 minutes. Lyle has 75 on the year.
The MIAA Tournament continues Friday, Nov. 7 in Olathe, Kan. for the semifinal matches, with the Championship set for Sunday, Nov. 9. Sunday's winner will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
