Emporia State women’s soccer was defeated by the Pittsburg State Gorillas on Oct. 11, but bounced back on Oct. 13 against Missouri Southern.
The Gorillas had five shot attempts in the first half of the game against Pittsburg State, three of which forced a save from goalkeeper Mackenzi Goen. ESU had two shot attempts in the first half; both attempts failed to threaten a goal. The first shot of the match, which missed to the right, was taken by freshman forward Megan Mahloch at the 13th minute.
Neither team having scored, the Hornets and Gorillas went into the half with the score sitting 0-0. In an attempt to change that, sophomore midfielder Mia Sandvig took the first opportunity at a goal that forced a save from Pittsburg State’s goalkeeper. From the top of the box, the Gorillas took a shot and scored the first goal of the game in the 54th minute of play, taking the lead 1-0.
The Hornets attempted more shots than the Gorillas in the remaining 36 minutes. ESU successfully forced two saves from Pittsburg State’s goalkeeper, but did not manage to make a goal and consequently fell short to the Gorillas.
The Hornets were back in action on senior day, Sunday, Oct. 13, in a match against Missouri Southern. ESU took the win against the Lions, beating them 4-2.
Mahloch scored the first goal of the game; as the ball was midfield, Mahloch ran down the left wing, cut in from the left, and beat the Lions goalkeeper. In possession of the ball, Missouri Southern had two shot attempts but failed to make either. Mahloch, succeeding in the left wing, found herself with the ball there again. Mahloch played a cross into the box that came into senior forward Hadlie Lowe’s possession. She came in from the right side and scored a goal.
Only four minutes after ESU’s second goal of the game, sophomore defender Aubree Blackman would score the third. Junior defender Abby Bachman’s corner kick assisted Blackman at the back post to pull Emporia to a 3-0 lead. The Hornets would attempt three more shots over the next 20 minutes before freshman midfielder Madeline Bracy would score her first career goal from outside of the box.
After the half, the Lions were able to score two goals against the Hornets defense. However Emporia did not let them score anymore, and claimed the game against Missouri Southern.
Mahloch scored her second goal of the season and the first assist of her career. Lowe joined Mahloch in her second goal of the season as well. Blackman and Bracy scored their first goal of the season and the first of their careers.
ESU soccer will travel to Claremore, Okla. to play against Rogers State on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:00 p.m.
