By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The Washburn Ichabod women's soccer team return to Yager Stadium this weekend to welcome Missouri Southern Lions and Pittsburg State Gorillas for MIAA conference play.
Junior Belle Kennedy (12) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in last Friday's 3-0 MIAA Washburn win over previously-unbeaten Nebraska-Kearney. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
Washburn sophomore goalkeeper Hailey Beck ranks among the national leaders with six shutouts this fall. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
The Ichabods, ranked No. 22 in the latest USC National poll, will face the Lions at 6 p.m. on Friday before battling Pittsburg State for the first time in the Gorillas' history on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Washburn is 5-2-2 so far in the 2024 season and has shut out its last seven opponents with five straight victories. The Ichabods are currently tied for third place in the MIAA with a 2-0-1 record.
Washburn played only one game last week, a 3-0 road win over previously-unbeaten Nebraska-Kearney, which entered the match 4-0-4.
The Ichabods scored the only goal they would need on a shot from former Washburn Rural star Belle Kennedy early in the second half against the Lopers and Khloe Schuckman and Jadyn Allen also added goals in the victory.
Schuckman's goal was her second of the season and the 27th of her career.
Sophomore goalkeeper Hailey Beck, a Washburn Rural product, is tied for fourth nationally with six shutouts posted in goal. Beck is also 24th in goals against average with a 0.455 mark.
Missouri Southern is 1-5-4 this season with an 0-2-2 record in conference play. The Lions are coming off a 0-0 draw at home against Rogers State on Oct. 6.
Junior midfielder Nathalia Luiz leads the Lions with three goals scored this season.
Sophomore Bella Smith has played all 900 minutes in goal for the Lions this season, tallying 61 saves. Smith has a goals against average of 1.50.
Washburn is 14-9-6 all-time against Southern. The last meeting came on Oct. 13, 2023, a 2-0 win for the Ichabods at Yager Stadium.
Pittsburg State, in its inaugural season, has 21 true freshmen and 16 transfers on its roster.
The Gorillas are 4-4-2 this season with an 0-2-2 record in MIAA play after a 3-1 road loss to Northeastern State on Oct. 6.
PSU will face Emporia State on Friday before facing Washburn on Sunday.
Freshman River Riley leads the Gorillas with three goals scored.
Washburn will start a four-game road trip with a contest against Northeastern State on Friday, Oct. 18, while the next Ichabod home game after this weekend will be on Friday, Nov. 1 against Northwest Missouri State.
