FHSU Athletics
TULSA, Okla. – Fort Hays State moved to 9-2-3 overall and 7-0-1 in the GAC with a 3-0 win over Northeastern State on Thursday (Oct. 15). The match was moved to Tulsa Union High School and up a couple of hours due to weather concerns in Tahlequah. The RiverHawks fell to 4-8-1 overall and 3-4-1 in the GAC.
The Tigers made one of their four shots in the first half count when Len Valkema scored off a Mario Leal Vales assist at 28:40. Despite being outshot 8-4 in the opening half, the Tigers took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Valkema struck again in the second half. Leal Vales assisted again with a ball headed near midfield that Valkema collected and outran the NSU defense for a one-on-one situation with the keeper. Valkema now leads FHSU in goals this year with six. Jose Barraza capped the scoring late in the 85th minute by taking an errant pass and putting a brilliant strike on the ball from outside the box for his first goal of the season.
Payton Roehrich recorded four saves for his fourth individual shutout of the season. He has started all seven of FHSU's shutouts this season.
Fort Hays State plays at Newman on Saturday (Oct. 17) at noon to wrap up its road contests in the regular season.
FHSU Top Performers
Len Valkema – 2 goals, 4 points, Game-winning goal
Payton Roehrich – 4 saves, shutout
Mario Leal Vales – 2 assists
Jose Barraza - 1 goal