The OK Gold Conference season didn't start the way the Hawks had hoped, falling to Wayland in a 1-0 result last night.

The Hawks came out a little bit sluggish and got stuck playing too directly in the first half, continually knocking long balls and failing to possess.  Many of the team's scoring chances were from distance as Wayland put nine defenders behind the ball and looked to counter-attack.

The Wildcats' counter-attack strategy succeeded in the 31st minute as they flighted a ball into the penalty area where an attacker struck a volley off the post and the rebound was finished.

The Hawks pushed forward, creating several chances including Morgan Behm's shot off the crossbar two minutes before the halftime break.

The second half was a stalemate despite near-constant pressure on the Wildcats' defense.  In the end, the Hawks' finishing touch failed them, getting just four of the nineteen shots on frame.

The Hawks fall to 2-4-0 on the season and travel to Byron Center for a non-conference game on Friday.  Kickoff is 6:45pm.

The Hawks JV team rallied for a 2-2 tie after scoring a goal with just 1:30 left in the match.  Rylei Walsh (assisted by Rachel Biel) and Betsy Hensel (unassisted) were the goalscorers.  Brianne McCoy played well as the Hawk goalkeeper.

FINAL VARSITY STATS

Shots At Goal:  FHE 19, Wayland 8.  Corner Kicks:  FHE 4, Wayland 3.  Fouls: FHE 14, Wayland 8.  Offside:  FHE 3, Wayland 0.