KOKOMO, Ind. - The Indiana University Kokomo women's soccer team earned their first win of the 2024 season Friday night inside the "Friendly Confines" of Kokomo Municipal Stadium. The Cougars shut-out Freed-Hardeman to improve to 1-2-0. 

After beginning the season with three challenging road matches, including two against ranked foes and one that was canceled with the Cougars in front, Sohaila Akhavein's squad returned home to welcome the Lions of Freed-Hardeman Friday night.

Despite having recorded a pair of shots in the opening few minutes, the Cougars had yet to record a shot on goal until the 19th minute. That's when veteran midfielder Kelsi Hoot beat the FHU goalkeeper for IU Kokomo's first goal of the season and a 1-0 lead. Hoot's goal was assisted by freshman Addison Waller, her first collegiate point.

Mya Hernandez would record a pair of shots on goal for the Cougars in the first half, but the score remained 1-0 IU Kokomo entering halftime.

Freed-Hardeman's Abby Schwarz was sent off the pitch via red card in the 56th minute, meaning the Lions would play with 10 compared to the Cougars 11 for the remainder of the match. 

The Cougars would take advantage just five minutes later, as IU Kokomo received a free-kick via a Lions foul. Hoot would take the free-kick, finding the back of the net for the second time on the night, extending the IUK lead to 2-0 with less than 30 minutes remaining.

IU Kokomo would end the match with a flurry of opportunities in the final 10 minutes, but would go on to close out a 2-0 victory for their first of the young campaign.

Junior goalie Kailee Moore was stout in net for IU Kokomo to earn her first shut-out and win of the season. Moore made saves on each of the three Freed-Hardeman shots on goal. The Cougars finished the match with 20 shots (nine on-goal) and seven corner kicks.

The Cougs will return to action next Wednesday, August 28th, for a road match at IU Northwest. The match will kick-off at 8:00 PM ET and will be played indoors at the Sparta Dome in Crown Point.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.