Sep 19, 2021

Weichel sets record in K-State win

Posted Sep 19, 2021 10:08 PM
Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/">kstatesports.com</a>
Image courtesy kstatesports.com

MANHATTAN – Junior Marissa Weichel put her name atop a K-State record on Sunday afternoon at Buser Family Park, as the Wildcats downed UTRGV, 2-0, in the final non-conference match for both programs.

With the win, K-State tied the school record for non-conference wins in a season with five, which was originally established in the 2017 season.

“We wanted to be a lot more urgent than we have been in the last few games,” said K-State head coach Mike Dibbini. “Can we be on our front foot, creating a lot of opportunities for our attack? Post wasn’t nice to us today, but that’s the game of soccer and we got the W.”

K-State (5-4-0) was the aggressor in the first 20 minutes, as the Wildcats fired off 14 shots including multiple attempts off both posts, before scoring on its 15th attempt. Brookelynn Entz played a long ball over the top of the UTRGV defense. Weichel outran the defenders and sent a low shot to the left post from 8 yards, rolling the ball inside the left post to give K-State the 1-0 lead in the 19th minute.

Dibbini has been pleased with the play of Weichel at the head of K-State’s attack this season.

“She’s doing a lot as far as creating chances for us, scoring goals. On breakaways being long and athletic for us at the top. She’s a nuisance to the defenders and we are so glad she is with us.”

With the goal, Weichel set the school record for game-winning goals in a season with three. This was Weichel’s fifth goal this season, which ties her for second in school history for goals in a season. With her 10 points this season, Weichel is the third Wildcat in program history to register 10 or more points in a season and is tied for third.

“I have to thank my teammates,” said Weichel on her three game-winners this season. “All these goals are assisted, so I’m getting great balls in to finish them. That’s my way of contributing to the team moving forward, so I’m happy I can help to get it done.”

The assist by Entz improved her school career record total to 11. For the season, Entz has three assists, which is tied for the team-lead with Maddie Weichel and ranks tied for fourth for assists in a season.

The Wildcats added an insurance goal in the 36th minute on a fortunate deflection. Junior Roo Yarnell-Williams attempted a shot from the top of the UTRGV 18-yard box. The ball was blocked by a Vaquero, ricocheted off of Yarnell-Williams to sophomore Porter List. List fired a shot off the deflection and beat the UTRGV goalkeeper to the lower right corner for the 2-0 lead.

“It felt pretty awesome,” said List of her first collegiate goal. “It was a long time waiting, I will say that, but I’m very happy to be here and very happy to be a part of this program.”

This was the first career goal for List, while it was the second assist this season for Yarnell-Williams.

K-State goalkeeper Alaina Werremeyer pocketed her second shutout this season and the fourth of her career. Werremeyer made two saves on the afternoon, both in the second half.

The Wildcats held a sizable advantage in total shots, 27-6, and shots on goal, 12-2. The 27 shots were a season-high for K-State and tied for the second-most shots in a match in school history.

K-State opens its 2021 Big 12 schedule on Thursday, as the Wildcats host Texas at 7 p.m. Thursday’s match is a White Out, as fans are encouraged to wear white t-shirts, sweatshirts or jackets. All fans will receive a free K-State cowbell.

Tickets for Thursday’s match can be purchased by contacting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 221-CATS, visiting kstatesports.com/tickets or at the Buser Family Park ticket booth.

Thursday’s match will be available on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, as Brian Smoller (play-by-play) and Laramie Hall (analyst) will have the call.

kstatesports.com