Washburn soccer ties with Hornets to break losing sreak

A n z h e l i k a Tolstikhina, anzhelika. t o l s t i k h i n a @ washburn.edu, is a sophomore nursing major.

The Washburn soccer team returned to Topeka with improved results compared to the previous performances

With many new players straight out of high school, the team made a lot of progress in all areas during their matches, especially in terms of preventing opponents from scoring.

On Friday, Sept. 19 the Ichabods traveled to Emporia State University where they came out with a 1-1 standoff. Both the Hornets and the Ichabods fought into the heat of double overtime. Washburn broke its four game losing streak by defending the attack of a strong opponent who has a total of three victories and only one loss to Winona State University.

Despite the aggressive approach of Emporia State in the beginning of the match that led to the goal scored by Grace Linton on 15th minute as well as three corner kicks in the first three minutes after kickoff, Washburn responded in the 59th minute with a goal scored by Devon Schmitz who hit the cross bar after a pass from Sara Specht. The goal was crucial in determining the outcome of a 110-minute game for the Ichabods. As in the past, the Bods showed a strong work ethic. Although Emporia State outshot Washburn 24-9, including a 7-3 advantage on goal shots and 9-1 corner kicks, the ball still couldn’t hit the net for the Hornets more than once.

On Sunday Sept. 21, Washburn faced off against the University of Nebraska at Kearney. This time, though, the game ended in favor of the Lopers with the score 1-0.

The Bods had multiple chances to make a goal, especially in the second half getting eight shots, but could never hit one. The number on the scoreboard didn’t change until 61st minute when the game’s single goal was made by the Lopers’ freshman fielder Marika Van Brocklin.

Washburn will return to action 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at home against Lindenwood.