­­­­­­EMPORIA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State Women's Soccer season came to an end on Friday (Nov. 17) in a 2-1 loss to the Emporia State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Hornets scored the first two goals match before the Tigers were able to add one late.

The Emporia State Hornets entered the tournament as winners of their last eight consecutive matches. They scored more than one goal in all but one of those eight matches. The Hornet offense wasted no time getting on the board as Mackenzie Dimarco broke the ice just 11 minutes into the match off a through pass from Hannah Worley. Dimarco was responsible for four goals a season ago when the Hornets and Tigers played on the national stage. Throughout the regular season, the Tigers did a great job of limiting the multi-time All-American, but she broke through for two scores Friday.

Fort Hays State outshot ESU overall at a 20-10 mark, but just could not find the net until late. Allison Worley recorded seven shots, Sullivan Kelly recorded six shots. Emily Hutchings was credited with two shots. The Tigers had seven more shots on goal than the Hornets, but Emporia State keeper Mackenzi Goen answered with 10 total saves to keep them at bay.

Emporia's Dimarco struck again late in the second half to seal the match, but the Tigers fought until the very end, netting a goal in the 89'. Alex Hutton knocked the ball in after a scrum for possession in the box.

Fort Hays State finished their season at 13-5-3. The win total for the team served to be the most wins in a season for the program since 2016. The Tigers tied their school record for shutouts for the second-straight season with 12.