By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn University women's soccer team saw its season come to an end in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday afternoon in Warrensburg, Mo., with thee Ichabods suffering a penalty-kick shootout loss to Central Oklahoma.
Washburn finished the 2024 season with a record of 14-4-3.
The Ichabods started off the contest strong, taking three shots in the first eight minutes of play, including two shots on goal from Khloe Schuckman.
The Bronchos (12-6-4) almost jumped out to an early lead after quickly moving the ball down the field, but Washburn goalkeeper Alli Harrington made a save in the bottom right corner of the goal to prevent Central Oklahoma from getting a goal.
Washburn earned its first penalty kick of the season in the 39th minute, but Schuckman's attempt was saved by Broncho goalkeeper Avery Bass to keep the game scoreless. The Ichabods finished the half with seven shot attempts, with four coming on goal.
The Washburn offense picked up in the second half, taking seven shots in the first 14 minutes of the period. Despite the increased output, the Broncho defense held strong, sending the contest to overtime after a scoreless 90 minutes of play.
In overtime, the Ichabods were the aggressors, holding the Bronchos without a shot over the two 10-minute overtime periods while taking a total of five shots of their own.
In the penalty shootout, Central Oklahoma converted on its three attempts and stopped three Washburn shots to secure the victory.
The Ichabods took 24 shots in the contest, with 13 attempts coming on goal.
Schuckman led the team with eight shots, while Aubrey Tanksley and Viviana Soto-Herrera recorded four shots each.
Harrington made four saves in goal, playing all 110 minutes.
Central Oklahoma took nine shots in the match, with four coming on target.
Caleah Carter recorded two shots, while seven other Bronchos had one shot attempt each.
Bass made 13 saves in goal over 110 minutes played.