Tiger Women's Soccer will head to Belton to compete in the first round of the NCAA III Soccer Playoffs against the University of Hardin-Simmons on Saturday.
 
The Tigers (12-4-2) secured an automatic bid to the tournament with their win in the SCAC Conference Championship last weekend. The Tigers defeated the University of Dallas 2-0 in the semi-finals and then a clutch goal by Clara Richards (Buffalo, New York / Williamsville South) led to the Tigers defeating Southwestern 1-0 and securing the conference title. During the match against Dallas, Michaela Bosco (Weatherford, Texas / Weatherford) and Emma Everts (Fort Worth, Texas / Ponderosa) added goals to their ledger.
 
Preview - Tigers vs Cowgirls
 
The Tigers will play against the Hardin-Simmons Cowgirls on Saturday, November 11th with the match getting underway at 7:30 PM. All-time, the Tigers are 9-6-3 against the Cowgirls, with the match this season ending in a 3-3 tie. Besides that, the Tigers have taken the last five matchups against Hardin-Simmons. If the Tigers prevail, they will play against the winner of the Mary Hardin-Baylor versus Emory match. 
 
On the Hardin-Simmons Cowgirls: The Cowgirls finished the regular season with a record of 16-1-2 (6-1-1 ASC). The Cowgirls earned an automatic bid with a 1-0 win over Mary Hardin-Baylor in the ASC Championship. During their last match, the Cowgirls scored three goals in less than 10 minutes to bring the match to a draw. The Tiger defense will need to key in on midfielder Lexi Templin, who ranks top 25 nationally in total goals (19). This will be a great matchup of the high-powered offense of the Cowgirls and the lockdown defense of the Tigers. 
 
Key To The Game
 
Finish What You Started: During the last matchup, the Tigers had a 3-0 lead until the 75th minute of the match, the Cowgirls scored three unanswered goals to bring the match to a draw. Look for 2023 SCAC Coach of the Year Dylan Harrison to make sure his defense is prepared for all 90 minutes of this match to put the Cowgirls away. 
 
Looking Ahead - NCAA Playoffs Round Two
 
If the Tigers collect a win, they will play in the second round on Sunday, November 12th at 6:30 PM.