TOPEKA, Kan. -- The Washburn women's soccer team took down Northwest Missouri State University 2-1 Sunday behind a strong first-half offensive performance.

The Ichabods scored both of their goals in the first 10 minutes of action. Kelsi Smith netted the first goal on an assist from Emily Stauffer in the sixth minute, and Kelly Schunk followed right after with a long free kick goal in the tenth minute.
The Ichabods went into halftime up 2-0, having amassed eight shots compared to the Bearcats' three.

In the second half, the Ichabods held tight behind goalkeeper Kaitlin Minnich's strong outing, but gave up a goal in the 73rd minute as Lizzy Romano took a lead pass from Natasha Samudzi and scored the Bearcats' first goal of the match. Minnich allowed one goal, but had nine saves, bringing her season total to 83.

With just 13 seconds left in the game, the Bearcats had a free kick opportunity from 40 yards out, and almost scored if not for Minnich's leaping save to send the ball over the goal.

The Ichabods improved their season record to 9-6-1, matching last season's win total. At 5-4-0 in the MIAA, the Ichabods also matched conference victories with 2016's squad, who finished 5-6-0.

They will have a chance to eclipse both of those totals Friday when they take on Emporia State University. The Hornets defeated the Ichabods 2-1 in a non-conference matchup on Sept. 15 of this year. This match will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, in Emporia, Kansas.