FHSU Athletics
CLAREMEORE, Okla. – In a thrilling match in Claremore, Fort Hays State faced off against Rogers State. The match was a tightly contested battle that concluded with the Hillcats securing a 3-2 win. This match concluded the Tigers' regular season as they finished 8-7-2 overall (7-3-2 GAC/MIAA). Rogers State closed its regular season at 11-5-2 overall (8-4 GAC/MIAA).
The Hillcats made an early mark in the first half when George Robinson struck the opening goal at the 11:50 mark, with an assist from Artur Carvalho. This early lead gave the Hillcats a boost of confidence and they held onto the lead throughout the first half. Both defenses tightened up after the opening goal as the score was 1-0 Hillcats going into the second half.
In the second half, the Hillcats extended the lead with George Robinson's second goal, this time assisted by Luke Morgan, extending their advantage 2-0. Mika Leue managed to score the first goal for FHSU at the 60:36 mark, thanks to an assist from Inigo Jiminez. This goal reinvigorated the Tigers, and they continued to press forward in search for the game-tying goal. Shortly after Leue's goal, Robinson notched another goal, assisted by Marcos Vasallo, marking a hat trick for Robinson.
The Tigers, refusing to relent, showcased their fighting spirit and managed to trim the lead to one with six minutes to go. Agustin Ayala delivered a crucial goal for FHSU at the 84:26 mark, with assistance from Pablo Orozco and Tadhg Walsch.
Ultimately, the Hillcats secured a 3-2 victory. The teams will meet again in the semifinals of the GAC/MIAA Tournament, set for next weekend in Bethany, Okla., hosted by the conference's top seed Southern Nazarene. Northeastern State will be the No. 4 seed in the tournament and face SNU. FHSU will be the No. 3 seed Rogers State will be the No. 2 seed by virtue of their finishes in the GAC/MIAA standings. More details on the tournament will be released soon.