EMPORIA, Kan. - No. 17-ranked Emporia State scored a 2-0 victory over the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Tournament.

The Hornets's explosive offense was kept in check throughout the day as the Bearcats were able to limit scoring opportunities. ESU came into the contest averaging 19.2 shots per game and were held to 10 total shots, with only six on goal. Northwest's offense was also limited to six total shots and none were on goal.

ESU's Aislinn Hughes notched the first goal of the match at the 17:15 mark. The Hornets took advantage of a throw-in that was pin-balled around in the box and Hughes tucked it inside the right pole for the score. ESU led 1-0 at the intermission.

Northwest had a chance to score the equalizer midway through the second half on a header from Adell Gore, but the shot went wide of the net to the left. ESU pushed the lead to 2-0 at the 78:43 mark when Alexis Cole scored her first goal of the season. 

ESU goalkeeper Jillian Patton did not face a shot on goal in recording the shutout. Northwest's Ashley Williams made four saves.

ESU advances to the second round to take on Bemidji State. The Beavers scored a penalty kick win over Central Oklahoma in the match prior to the ESU-Northwest game.

NOTES: It was Emporia State's third win over Northwest this season ... Northwest finishes the 2021 season with a record of 13-7-1.