By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The No. 16-ranked Washburn University women's soccer team fell to Central Oklahoma 1-0 on Thursday afternoon in the MIAA Tournament semifinals at Stryker Sports Complex.
Washburn soccer will find out its NCAA Tournament pairing next week after being eliminated from the MIAA Tournament on Thursday in the semifinals. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
The Ichabods will now await selection for the NCAA Tournament, with the selection show scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m.
Much like the first contest between the two teams, which ended in a scoreless tie, Thursday's first half was a defensive battle, with both sides struggling to produce quality chances.
The Ichabods' best chance came in the 22nd minute, when Khloe Schuckman's shot was stopped on the left side of the goal by Broncho goalkeeper Avery Bass.
Central Oklahoma had an opportunity to take the lead in the 28th minute, but Washburn goalkeeper Alli Harrington tipped a shot attempt from Harmony Turner into the air, allowing the Ichabods to clear the ball away from the goal.
The teams entered the halftime break with the score remaining 0-0.
The Ichabods took five shots in the half, with two attempts on target. The Bronchos were held to two attempts, with both coming on goal.
Washburn increased the offensive pressure early in the second half, taking four shots over the first 17 minutes of the period.
Following a short stoppage in play, the Bronchos broke the scoreless deadlock when Caleah Carter found the top right portion of the net.
The Ichabods tried to battle back, racking up four more shot attempts, but the Bronchos held on to earn a spot in the MIAA championship game on Saturday.
Washburn took 13 shots in the contest, with five coming on goal.
Schuckman led the offensive output with six shots, while Grace Peterson contributed three attempts.
Harrington made four saves in net.
Six different players recorded one shot each for Central Oklahoma. Five of the attempts came on target.
Bass made five saves in goal for the Bronchos.
