EMPORIA, Kan. — Fort Hays State fell to Emporia State by a score of 5-2 on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 5). The Tigers (2-6-1, 0-3-1 MIAA) leveled the match twice in the first half on a pair of goals by Sydney Cotter, but it was not enough as the Hornets (6-3-0, 3-0-0 MIAA) added three more in the second half.
 
After Emporia State took an early 1-0 lead, FHSU and ESU traded a flurry of goals in the waning minutes before halftime. The Hornets scored in the 5th minute, but FHSU equalized in the 40th minute on a header by Cotter off a corner kick from Megan Wiman. Emporia State regained the lead with just under a minute remaining in the first half, but Cotter quickly responded, scoring just 12 seconds later to level the match once again. Cotter now has six goals on the season to lead the Tigers. FHSU outshot ESU 8-6 in the opening half.
 
It did not take long for ESU to regain its lead for the third time in the match as Avery Zimmerman provided what turned out to be the game winner in the 48^th minute. The Hornets eventually added on goals in the 79^th and 83^rd minutes to run away with the victory. ESU outshot FHSU 8-1 in the second half and 14-9 for the match.
 
Jamie Kerkvliet got her first start in goal for FHSU and made six saves. Mackenzi Goen of ESU made four stops between the pipes.
 
Cotter provided the majority of the offensive attack for FHSU with six of the team's nine shots. Five of her shots were on target. Ella Favot led ESU with four shots and she had one of the team's five goals, all spread among different players.
 
Fort Hays State will host Central Oklahoma in Hays on Friday, October 10 at 7 p.m.