Larkin, Davis Send K-State to Sunflower Showdown Win

LAWRENCE, Kansas – For the first time in the history of the state of Kansas, the state's Big 12 members of Kansas State and Kansas met in the Sunflower Showdown in women's soccer. The first result went in favor of K-State, 1-0, as Hannah Davis provided the tally and senior goalkeeper Miranda Larkin pocketed the shutout.

"It is an unbelievable feeling to get that first Big 12 win.," said head coach Mike Dibbini. "These girls played extremely hard tonight and they deserve every bit of it right now. We stuck to the game plan, and made an adjustment at half. These girls have been unreal. They are very coachable and it just feels even better to get the first win in the Sunflower Showdown.

Friday night's match was played in front of the largest crowd to witness an NCAA Division I women's soccer match in the state of Kansas with 2,514 fans. K-State set the record last season with 2,403 fans on September 16, 2016 in the program's home opener against Northern Iowa.

Kansas State (6-6-1, 1-3-0 Big 12) broke through in the 47th minute in the Sunflower Showdown for the opening goal. Midfielder Katie Cramer slotted a pass through the Jayhawk defense and Davis was able to run to it in front of KU keeper Maddie Dobyns. Davis took one touch to get past Dobyns and finished with a rolling shot into the net.

"What was amazing about the goal, was we had just talked about it in the locker room at halftime," said Dibbini about the strike. They are extremely coachable. We had that link up with Katie, who received the ball underneath the defense and sending the pass to Hannah who made the run into the slot. It was perfectly timed and executed.

The goal was the second of the season for Davis and improved her overall point total this season to a team-leading eight. Cramer notched her third assist this season.

"When the ball was played, I just ran and saw the goalkeeper coming out," said Davis about her goal. "(Assistant coach) Jess (Smith) is really good about where we should place the ball. I knew I had to place it to a corner. When it hit the post, I didn't think it was going in, but it had a nice spin on it and it ended up spinning in."

The goal was the first for the program in the month of October, ending a four and a half game scoreless stretch that started in the first four matches in the 10th month last season.

K-State needed several clutch saves from Larkin in the final 10 minutes of the match. She made several diving saves, punched one ball over the crossbar and fenced another back into the field of play and out of danger. At the conclusion of the match, Larkin was mobbed by her teammates in her second half goal frame for her efforts.

"It actually got better as the game went on," said Larkin about her nerves. "I knew I wasn't on my best game at the start of the match, so I figured out how to turn it on and get better with each save. Towards the end, I was really on. Their fans really helped me out and pumped me up. I do really well under pressure and when people are yelling at me and trying to get under my skin, I really play better. I was ready to get the shutout and get our first Big 12 win. We got that goal and I wasn't going to give up that goal."

Larkin finished the night with nine saves overall, including six in the crucial second half. This was her 10th career shutout at Kansas State and her fifth this season, which ties her school record from the 2016 season. Dibbini was proud of his senior netminder.

"She was amazing tonight. She kept us in the game all night. She made the saves that kept us in the lead. Miranda has been tremendous for us and she showed it again tonight."

K-State and Kansas (6-6-2, 1-2-1) played to a scoreless draw in the opening half. KU held a 10-4 edge in total shots, however K-State tallied a 3-1 lead in corner kicks.

The Jayhawks threatened with a pair of high shots from either side of Larkin. The senior from Rockwall, Texas, was up to the task each time and made the save. Larkin finished with three saves in the opening stanza.

K-State's best chance of the opening frame came with seconds remaining. Junior Haley Sutter chipped a free kick towards the KU net from 38 yards. The stiff wind at her back carried the ball on a line and Jayhawk keeper Dobyns was forced to nudge the ball over the cross bar.

Overall, the Jayhawks registered a 25-5 advantage in shots, including a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. KU recorded a 9-5 lead in corner kicks, while the fouls were even at 11.

Kansas State returns to the K-State Soccer Complex next weekend for a pair of matches. The Wildcats will host Baylor on Friday, October 13 at 7 p.m., and seventh-ranked Texas on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m.

Friday's match against the Bears is part of a "Ultimate Wildcat Weekend," as fans with a ticket to the K-State/TCU football game can purchase a standing room only ticket for just $3.

Sunday's match against the Longhorns is Pack the Pitch day. Fans can purchase tickets and select concession items for just a $1.

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Team Stats

Hannah Davis

Katie Cramer

Laramie Hall

Haley Sutter

Players Mentioned

Katie Cramer

Hannah Davis

Miranda Larkin

Haley Sutter

Players Mentioned

Katie Cramer

Hannah Davis

Miranda Larkin

Haley Sutter

Kansas State University Athletics