MANKATO, Minn. – Fort Hays State outshot Harding 17-9 as they earned a 3-1 win in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Central Regional Friday afternoon in Mankato, Minn.

The Tigers (15-4-2) struck first in the 40th minute on a header from Hannah Smith on an assist from Darby Hirsch to lead 1-0. Thayla Dwyer buried a goal in the back off the net off a pass from Dani Harris and Regan Lawler in the 55th minute to push the lead to 2-0.

Harding would chip into the lead in the 75th minute as McKenna Smith scored off a pass from Averie Albright.

FHSU would then make it a two goal lead again as Dwyer scored her second of the game this time off a pass from Kelsey Steffens.

In goal Abbie Flax earned her first win of the tournament with four saves facing nine total shots in the game.

The Tigers, who won their school record 15th game of the season, will now face second-seeded Minnesota State on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Mankato.