By OAKLEE FIELDER
Sports Editor
NWOSU defeated Fort Hays State University in a nail-biting comeback on Sunday.
After the 1-0 win over Eastern New Mexico University, the Lady Rangers headed North to face the Fort Hays State University Tigers.
The Tigers scored the first point after a corner kick just two seconds before the 17-minute mark. The rest of the first half was scoreless, and the Lady Rangers pushed on down by one.
In the second half, there was a quick yellow card on Fort Hays, giving the Lady Rangers possession, but nothing came from it. Heading into the late stages of the final half of the game, the Lady Rangers had to find something to get momentum moving and try to get the win.
In minute 82, there was a yellow card against Fort Hays. With a chance to even the score, the Lady Rangers had the pressure on for the first time of the year. Jazelle Alvarado then scored a goal for NWOSU, assisted by Eryn Warren, to tie the game at one.
With just eight minutes left in the game, the Lady Rangers had the chance to perform a miracle comeback. Just three minutes later, Christi-Anne Mills scored a goal with an assist from Jenna Mills, and the Lady Rangers had the lead by one with just five minutes left.
With one final shot, but it was saved by Annen, and the Lady Rangers sealed the win to get number two of the year. The Lady Rangers have not had opening back-to-back wins since 2022, and this is the first time they have defeated Fort Hays State.
The Lady Rangers head off to Nebraska to face two teams from South Dakota. The University of Sioux Falls Friday and then Black Hills State University on Sunday.