The Emporia State soccer team built a 3-0 lead and then weathered a furious Washburn rally to advance to the MIAA Tournament championship game with a 3-2 victory in the semifinals at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita on Thursday afternoon. The Lady Hornets didn’t take long to open the scoring on a shot by Hadlie Lowe 11 minutes into the match on a feed by Mackenzie Dimarco. ESU added to the lead just before halftime on a Paige Putter score assisted by Abby Bachman. E-State made it 3-0 just 45 seconds into the second half on a corner kick goal by Hannah Woolery on an assist by Joanie Westcoat. #7 Washburn rallied with two scores in the final 11 minutes coming within 3 minutes of each other, but the ESU defense held on for the win. Dimarco talked about building the early lead against Emporia State’s archrival.
The Lady Hornets play #15 Central Missouri for the MIAA title on Saturday at the Stryker Sports Complex. The Jennies eliminated Fort Hays State with a 1-0 victory earlier on Thursday. Kickoff for the championship match is set for 8:00 p.m.
