ST. JOSEPH – Griffon Soccer put a huge exclamation point on an impressive weekend with a 1-0 win over Fort Hays on Sunday. The two wins this weekend landed the Griffons in fifth place in the MIAA after starting the weekend in a tie for eighth. It was also Missouri Western's first ever win over Fort Hays, now trailing the all-time series 1-3-2.
 
Missouri Western got the winning goal in the 61^st minute from Bridget Blessie, her fourth of the season. Blessie took a pass from Layne Shepherd in the box and flexed it in from 12 yards out. Sarah Lyle was stellar in goal, saving nine Fort Hays shots. Seven of Lyle's saves came in the second period with a handful late in the match as For Hays had good chances for the equalizer late. The Griffons had just nine shots on the day, compared to 15 for Fort Hays, but the Griffons made their shots count with six on goal.
 
The win improved Missouri Western to 8-4-1 and 4-3-1 in MIAA play. The Griffons begin a tough three-game road stretch at No. 8 Central Missouri on Friday. The Griffons will then head to St. Charles to take on Lindenwood next Sunday before a rivalry trip to Northwest Missouri State on Oct. 30. The Griffons will wrap up the regular season at home against Central Missouri on Oct. 31.