Coming into a soccer game, both teams will always feel like they need a win. However, there are different degrees for how desperate the teams really are.

On one hand, the Lady Blues (6-5-3 overall, 4-2-2 MIAA) wanted an outright victory after settling for two straight double overtime ties last week. Their opponents, Emporia State (0-13, 0-8), would be thrilled just to get their first win, or even a tie for that matter.

Although the 0-13 Hornets may have needed the victory more. Washburn, needing wins to stay in the race with top MIAA teams, took care of their in-state rivals for the sixth straight meeting, winning 2-0.

“This game was huge for us after tying in the last two,” said defender Jordan Shefte.

Winners in conference games get three points, while teams that tie only get one apiece. The win has a big impact on the MIAA standings for Washburn, but the luster of the Turnpike Tussle has disappeared as the Lady Blues continue to dominate the rivalry. Players already started looking ahead to bigger games immediately following the win.

The Lady Blues, who made the Sweet 16 last season, want a chance at taking down Metro State, the defending national champions.

“If we win on Sunday [against Metro State], it would mean a lot more,” said forward Manon Englehardt. “This win helps after the two ties, but playing at the 14th ranked team is a game we’re real excited about. We’ve been looking forward to that one.”

Washburn players still believe the win against ESU will help in the future.

“We need to come out and beat the big teams, but even these little wins are small stepping-stones, so we’ll work our way up to bigger games,” said Shefte. “Hopefully, winning a lot of these will help us win bigger ones.”

Aside from the Lady Blues’ continued dominance over their inferior rivals, there was some additional significance to the game. Mainz’s goals in the 27th and 60th minutes were enough for her to set the all-time school record for points in a season, with 31, and tie her own school record for goals in a season, with 13.

Ashley Klone picked up her fourth shutout of the season without having to make a single save, and Washburn out shot ESU 27 to 1.

Washburn related

Washburn lost to No. 13 Metro State 2-1 Sunday in Omaha, Neb. Jessica Mainz scored Washburn’s lone goal just 3:30 into the game. Manon Englehardt assisted on it. Washburn outshot Metro State 17-6, but could not capitalize on it.