Sunday Sept. 22, Washburn’s soccer team hosted Emporia State University at Yager Stadium for their fifth match of the season. The 4-1 ESU team came into the game looking to get their fifth straight win this season over a strong Washburn team that hadn’t allowed a goal in their last 3 matches. The game started fast with both sides creating chances to score.

ESU’s freshman forward Mackenzie Dimarco gave the Ichabods trouble on defense in the early minutes, forcing Washburn’s goalkeeper Raegan Wells to make some challenging saves. It all changed when Ichabod’s senior forward Olivia Grasso scored a stunning 30-yard shot from the left side that went right over the goalkeeper’s head, giving WU the early lead.

With 15 minutes left in the half, Washburn’s midfielder Paige Ledesma was able to take advantage of a loose ball that popped up inside ESU’s box, scoring the Ichabod’s second goal of the match. At six minutes left, a strong collision between forward Ryanne Serrone-Brown and ESU goalkeeper Jillian Patton took the starting goalkeeper out of the game. The first half ended with the bods leading 2-0 with the same amount of shots on target as ESU.

In the beginning of the second half, it was clear that Emporia’s plan was to be more aggressive, as they came out strong and dominated the first 10 minutes. They created multiple chances on WU’s goal, including a strong header that missed by a couple of yards left. ESU’s hopes of a comeback faded with 30 minutes remaining as Grasso cleared two defenders and managed to slip the ball just under the outcoming goalkeeper to score her second goal in the match and Washburn’s third.

The last 25 minutes were back and forth with strong opportunities for both teams. Washburn’s junior midfielder Tera Lynch fired a couple of long shots, missing by a slight margin.

Emporia kept trying to penetrate the Ichabod’s box, when finally, with seven minutes remaining, ESU’s Dimarco scored Emporia’s first and only goal of the match. The game ended in a Washburn Victory with a score of 3-1.

Washburn’s Head coach Davy Phillips commented on how his team performed.

“We did really well. I thought we executed the game plan exactly how we talked about and it worked really well. I am very proud of the group today,” Phillips said.

This was the first time since September 2015 that the women’s soccer team beat Emporia.

Senior forward Grasso, who bagged a double in the win described how she felt after helping the team to a victory. 

“Really good. Emporia is a rivalry game. Since I’ve been here we haven’t beat them, so it means a lot,” Grasso said.

The Ichabods have now won four games in a row and stand at a 4-1 record. The team will face Fort Hays next Friday at Hays.

Edited by Jessica Galvin, Adam White, Shelby Hanson