FHSU Athletics
TOPEKA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team saw its 2024 season close on Sunday afternoon in a hard-fought 2-1 loss to Washburn in the MIAA Tournament Quarterfinals. The No. 1 seed and No. 16 nationally ranked Ichabods moved on to the semifinals, now at 14-3-2 overall. The No. 8 seeded Tigers wrapped the season at 7-8-4 overall.
The Ichabods never trailed in the contest, striking first in the 28th minute when Sam Searcey slotted home a goal inside the box off a well-placed crossing pass from Lindsey Maul. Washburn continued to apply pressure, outshooting the Tigers 9-1 in the first half throughout the first half. Tiger goalkeeper Mackenzie Caldwell made four of her six crucial saves in the match before halftime.
The Ichabods doubled their lead in the 69th minute with a goal from Khloe Schuckman, assisted by Lakin Rold. Down 2-0, Fort Hays State continued to fight and finally broke through with a goal in the 84th minute. The Ichabods were unable to clear a ball in the box, which ricocheted perfectly off of a charging Allison Worley into the net in the 84th minute. However, it was the last shot for the Tigers in the match as the Ichabods held on for the win in the final six minutes.
Despite being outshot 18-4 in the match, the Tigers showed resilience weathering an offensive attack from Washburn, which included 15 corner kicks. Washburn goalkeeper, Alli Harrington, needed just one save to secure a win.
Though the Tigers came up short, the team battled through numerous injuries throughout the year to still secure a 10th-consecutive appearance in the MIAA Tournament. FHSU finished 1-1 against the 2023 national runner-up after defeating Washburn earlier during the regular season by a score of 2-1 in Hays.