FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State (11-2-3, 9-0-1) defeated Ouachita Baptist (8-5-1, 5-4-0) by a score of 3-0 on Thursday at FHSU Soccer Stadium. FHSU claimed its second-straight GAC regular season title with the shutout, moving to 11-2-3 overall and 9-0-1 in the GAC. Ouachita Baptist moved to 8-5-1 overall and 5-4 in the GAC.
In the process, the Tigers pushed their unbeaten streak in conference play to 36 matches, which includes regular season and conference tournament contests against GAC teams going back to the 2024 season. That streak is tied for the second best in NCAA Division II history for longest unbeaten streak against conference opponents, joining Colorado School of Mines (2017-2019) and Mercyhurst (1996-2002). Southern Connecticut State owns the record at 46 (1995-2000). Since the NCAA record only recognizes conference regular season and tournament matches, the win over Rogers State in last year's NCAA Tournament national quarterfinals is not added into the streak.
The Tigers took an early advantage when Len Valkema scored in the 14th minute off a Juan Linares corner kick. Payton Roehrich made one first-half save and Fort Hays State took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
FHSU scored twice in the second half, with Valkema finishing passes from Linares and Mathis Gaultier in the 54th minute and Dalton Cates sealing the win in the 86th off a corner kick from Francisco Degiorgi. Roehrich notched one more save to keep a clean sheet, FHSU's ninth of the season.
FHSU outshot OBU 17-6 for the match, including an 11-1 advantage in the first half. Isaac Murie of OBU made six saves in the match.
Fort Hays State plays host to Harding on Saturday (Oct. 24). A rare morning match at FHSU Soccer Stadium is set to start at 9 a.m.
Fort Hays St. Top Performers
Len Valkema – 2 goals, Game-winning goal, 4 pts
Juan Linares – 2 assists
Dalton Cates - 1 goal
Francisco Degiorgi – 1 assist
Payton Roehrich – 2 saves, shutout, 90 minutes