TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State's offense was shut out for the first time Saturday afternoon in a scoreless draw to Fort Hays State.
With a loss by Harding Saturday, the result is enough for the RiverHawks to clinch a spot in the upcoming GAC/MIAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season.
Northeastern State outshot the Tigers 19-to-5, with their goalkeeper recording nine saves. The RiverHawks missed a goal in the second half when a shot for
Martin Martinez hit the top crossbar and took an unfriendly bounce on the grass downward.
After a red card was issued in the 70th minute, Fort Hays State played a man down. In the remaining time, they played keep away with the RiverHawks, who fired eight shot attempts.
Niklas Kirhoff would match a program record with his eighth shutout of the season with a pair of saves.
Fort Hays State was held scoreless for the fifth time this year and moved to 8-4-5 (6-2-3 GAC/MIAA)
The RiverHawks are now 8-4-3 overall (5-3-2 GAC/MIAA) and will host Newman on Thursday at 7 p.m. for Senior Day.