UCM Live Stats

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western soccer hits the road for its final three games of the season.

The Griffons take on #14 Central Missouri on Thursday, Oct. 24 for a 7 p.m. kick followed by a match against Southwest Baptist at noon on Saturday, Oct. 26.

After this week's games, the Griffons finish their season on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. against Missouri Southern in Joplin, Mo.

About Western: The Griffons ended their near-month long drought of scoreless soccer with a goal against Fort Hays State on Oct. 18. Ashley Juravich sent one into the net from the left corner just eight minutes into the ball game against Fort Hays State. It was the senior's third goal of the year.

The Tigers came back tying game at one which is how the match ended after two overtime periods. In their last match of the week, the Griffons fell to Nebraska-Kearney 2-0 on senior day. The Griffons honored seniors Rayelin Garcia, Marissa Nolan, Alexa Adams and Ashley Juravich as they played their final game in Spratt Stadium.

Missouri Western has seven goals on the year. Other than Juravich, junior Tara Russell made four goals but an injury has sidelined her for the remainder of the season. Goalkeeper Sarah Lyle has started 13 games with 84 saves. The freshman along with solid play from defenders Sydney Andrews, Taylor Gant and Emily Hoffmann, has been able to keep the Griffons in games despite limited offense.

About Central Missouri: The Jennies are 6-1-1 in conference and 10-2-2 overall which ranks them No. 1 in the MIAA and 14^th in the nation. They are on a three-game winning streak since losing their only MIAA match of the season – a 2-1 tilt to Missouri Southern at home.

Central is led by a number of goal scorers, including Hannah Pyle, who has a team-high eight goals. She is currently second in the conference in goals scored. Becky Lackey is another player that has played well offensively, putting in five goals with five assists. The Jennies have three different goalkeepers that have provided the team with a total of 10 wins. Goalkeepers Morgan Hartzler (5-1-2), Jessica Grindstaff (4-1) and Abby Rhodes (1-0) have given Central versatility in the net.

About Southwest Baptist: The Bearcats are 8-5-1 in the MIAA, good for No. 5 in the standings. Last weekend, they lost to Northeastern State 2-1 before defeating Central Oklahoma 2-1.

Kate Jamison leads the Bearcats in scoring. Through 11 matches, she secured five goals and three assists for a team-high 13 points. Right behind her is Karla Jamison, who has played in 10 games and ties her sister with a team-high five goals. Paige Hemphill has played well at keeper for Southwest Baptist, with 53 saves and two shutouts on the year.