Marina
The Emporia State Hornets women’s soccer squad is hitting the road for two pivotal Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) matchups.
First, they visit Pittsburg State (Gorillas) on Friday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m. in Pittsburg, Kansas, then travel to face Missouri Southern (Lions) on Sunday, October 12 at 1:00 p.m. in Joplin, Missouri.
These games are part of the Hornets’ bid to strengthen their conference standing.
Match Details & Series History
| Opponent | Date & Time | Venue | Series Record | Last Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburg State Gorillas | Friday, Oct 10 • 2:00 p.m. | Gorilla Soccer Pitch, Pittsburg, KS | PSU leads 1–0 | PSU 1, ESU 0 (Oct 11, 2024) |
| Missouri Southern Lions | Sunday, Oct 12 • 1:00 p.m. | Fred G. Hughes Stadium, Joplin, MO | MSSU leads 16–11–6 | ESU 4, MSSU 2 (Oct 13, 2024) |
These matches are Matches 10 and 11 for Emporia State in the 2025 season.
Hornets’ Recent Form
The Hornets are off to a solid start: 6–3 overall, 3–0 in MIAA play, after winning their last four matches. In their most recent game at home, they beat Fort Hays State 5–2.
The scoring opened early in the fifth minute by Megan Kephart, and the game saw a dramatic first half before ESU pulled ahead in the second half.
A rising star this season has been freshman Ella Favot, who has scored in each of the last four matches and holds five goals and an assist during that streak.
Other multi-goal contributors include Kephart, Hailey Gancarz, Madeline Bracy, Peyton Pipes, and Avery Zimmerman. On defense, Aubrey Seltman, Ruby Ryan, and four-year starter Abby Bachman anchor the back line.
Pittsburg State Gorillas Profile
Pittsburg enters the weekend with an 8–1–1 record, and they are 3–0–1 in MIAA play. Their offense has been sharp, putting up 26 goals in ten matches. Ella Cazzavillan and Sailor Jensen lead the scoring for the Gorillas, each with four goals.
Jensen recently earned MIAA Defender of the Week, after helping PSU secure a pair of shutout victories, including a 1–0 win. Jensen also scored the game-winner in one of those matches.
In goal, Jocelyn Kramar has been a steady presence, starting nine of ten matches and playing most of the season’s minutes. Defenders like Adelynn Phipps also contribute heavily, with over 840 minutes of play.
Missouri Southern Lions Profile
The Lions have struggled this season. Their record stands at 2–5–3, with an 0–2–2 MIAA mark. Offensively, MSSU has netted only 11 goals to date, and many of their recent matches have resulted in scoreless outings during conference play. Presley Whitmore leads the team with three goals and one assist (totaling seven points).
The primary goalkeeper is Bella Smith, who has started and played all 90 minutes in nine games. The Lions will need a strong performance to withstand the Hornet attack and improve their MIAA position.
Coaching & Historical Notes
- Jane Grimley-Gunn is in her second year at Emporia State. Her current record with the Hornets is 12–11–3. Before ESU, she coached at Missouri S&T, where she led the team to strong starts and tournament appearances.
- Wes Branstetter, in his second year at Pittsburg State, holds a record of 16–9–3. He also oversaw the program’s inaugural season in 2024.
- At Missouri Southern, Sade Boswell is in her fourth season, with a cumulative record of 6–46–11. The 2025 season has already matched her previous best win totals for the Lions.
What to Watch & Key Storylines
- Momentum for ESU – The Hornets’ current winning streak and MIAA undefeated run are on the line.
- Jensen’s impact – If Sailor Jensen continues strong defensive and scoring play, PSU’s defense will be formidable.
- Can MSSU break through? – The Lions need offensive adjustments to counterbalance ESU’s pressure.
- Travel & fatigue – The back-to-back road games will test roster depth, especially late in matches.
“Hornet Soccer Heads South for Showdowns With Gorillas & Lions” spotlights two crucial road games for Emporia State. With momentum on their side and stars rising, the Hornets aim to extend their winning streak.
Against determined opposition—especially a high-scoring Pittsburg side and an MSSU squad fighting to remain competitive—these matchups will be pivotal for conference positioning.
If ESU can balance strong offense with defensive resilience, their road swing could solidify their status as a top contender in the MIAA.