By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The No. 16-ranked Washburn University soccer team hosts rival Emporia State at Yager Stadium at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening for Senior Night, looking to wrap up the MIAA regular-season title.
Washburn, 11-2-4 overall and 8-0-3 in the MIAA, can clinch the championship with a win over the Hornets (8-5-4, 5-2-4).
Multi-time MIAA pick Belle Kennedy (12) is one of 10 Washburn soccer seniors who will be recognized before Wednesday's Senior Night match against Emporia State in Yager Starium. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn will recognize seniors Sydney Achilles, Shandon Carr, Londyn Furnish, Alli Harrington, Belle Kennedy, Hunter McWilliams, Lakin Rold, Brooke Powell, Aubrey Tanksley and Shaye Taylor.
"I'm excited that our ladies have earned the chance to compete for something really special on Senior Night,'' Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "This senior class has been an incredible class for our program. They're the winningest class in WU soccer history (with 57 wins), they played for a national championship, and now get the chance to earn a third MIAA trophy.
"It's a really special class that I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach. Thank you, ladies."
Washburn extended its unbeaten streak this past weekend to 13 with a 2-0 win last Friday at Northwest Missouri and a scoreless draw against Missouri Western on Sunday.
"We are looking forward to the opportunity to continue to grow into our DNA in pursuit of another MIAA title,'' Phillips said. "Emporia is a good team and well-coached, and it's always a battle."
During their unbeaten streak, the Ichabods have only allowed three goals.
Washburn moved up three spots to No. 16 in the USC national poll and remained second in the USC Central Region poll.
Freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley has eight shutouts on the year, which is third best in the conference.
The Hornets come into Wednesday's match after tying both of their matches 0-0 this past weekend against Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri.
Emporia State is led in goals by freshman Ella Favot with six.
Washburn leads the all-time series, 20-18-4 and the Ichabods have won three of the last four at Yager Stadium and five of the last eight overall.
The Ichabods will be back in action Sunday as they host a Round 1 match in the MIAA Tournament at Yager Stadium, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. Their opponent will be announced after the completion of regular-season matches.
