No. 17 Tech falls 2-1 to KU in Big 12 Semis

Wednesday, November 6

7 p.m.

Texas Tech Athletics

14-4-2, 8-1-2

No. 6 Kansas

12-5-4, 6-4-1

Kansas

Texas Tech

No. 17 Tech falls 2-1 to KU in Big 12 Semis

November 06, 2024 | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

The Red Raiders fell behind 2-0 with 40 minutes to play before falling 2-1

By: Andrew Stern

KANSAS CITY – Despite enjoying a 17-11 shot advantage, No. 17 Texas Tech fell 2-1 Wednesday night to Kansas in the Big 12 Semifinal at CPKC Stadium.

Down 1-0 after an up-and-down first half, Texas Tech (14-4-2) quickly saw its deficit doubled in the 50th minute when Kansas (12-5-4) buried its second corner kick goal of the night.

Facing the largest deficit since a 2-0 loss to Utah State (Aug. 25), Tech quickly responded using a 64th minute goal from Ashleigh Williams to cut the deficit to just a goal.

Down the stretch, the Red Raiders had multiple chances to record the equalizer including in the 76th minute when Molly Skurcenski's was wide open in the box, but her shot went just high.

As the match continued to wind down, Tech had multiple chances including a Taylor Zdrojewski header off a free kick with just 32 seconds that was cleared off the line by a Jayhawk defender.

The Red Raider chances were plenty especially early as Tech forced a pair of early saves from Dawe.

In the second minute it was Williams who nearly struck for Tech while in the 14th minute it was a brillant one-two from Peyton Parsons and Zdrojewski that resulted in a strong Parsons shot that was saved by Dawe.

Despite the early momentum, Tech ultimately conceded first again for the second straight game, as the Red Raiders allowed a strong run from Kansas and a blocked shot to result in a corner.

On the ensuing corner, KU's Jocelyn Herrema ripped a shot in the middle of the 18 that was saved by Tech goalkeeper Faith Nguyen. Despite the initial stop by Nguyen, the rebound ultimately knocked home by Raena Knust.

After halftime, the Red Raiders had the first chance to score in the second half, when Kate Leibel lifted a shot in the 48th minute that went high.

Just 90 seconds later, KU doubled its lead when Olivia Page scored off a perfect Carolina Castans corner kick service.

Down by a pair, the Red Raiders quickly cut the deficit in half, when a perfect cross from Elise Anderson found a cutting Williams who stayed onsides in the Jayhawks box. Williams took one dribble, eluded Dawe and ripped a shot into the bottom-right corner of the net.

Riding the momentum, the Red Raiders continued to push forward in search of the equalizer, but were ultimately unable to convert.

With the loss the Red Raiders were eliminated from the Big 12 Tournament in the semifinals for the second straight season and for the fifth time in seven seasons. The Red Raiders fell to just 1-7 all-time in the Big 12 Semifinals.

UP NEXT:
The Red Raiders will turn their attention to the 2024 NCAA Tournament which will begin next weekend (Nov. 15-17). The entire field of 64 will be unveiled on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. during the selection show streamed live on NCAA.com.