TOPEKA, Kan. – Missouri Western defeated Washburn University 7-2 on Thursday afternoon to clinch a spot in the MIAA tournament.

The Griffons were able to gain the advantage early claiming two of three doubles matches. Sarah Giraldo and Yasmine El Ghazi earned a victory in the No. 1 spot, winning 8-5. Missouri Western also earned a victory in the No. 3 doubles match with Denise Chiao and Kayla Dysart, winning 8-3.

Missouri Western continued its dominance in singles matches as well, claiming five of the six matches. Giraldo tallied a 6-1, 7-6 (9-7) victory over Casyn Buchman in the No.1 position. Freshman Sofia Aguilera won in the No. 2 spot by the score of 6-3, 0-6, and 6-2. Griffon senior Ceara Boldridge won her singles match 6-0, 6-1.

The Griffons are back in action Friday afternoon when they take on Emporia State starting at 3 p.m. Missouri Western will look to make it three straight MIAA victories against the Hornets.

Singles competition
1. Giraldo,Sarah (MWSU) def. Buchman,Casyn (WU) 6-1, 7-6 (9-7)
2. Aguilera,Sofia (MWSU) def. Blackim,Jodie (WU) 6-3, 0-6, 6-2
3. Dysart,Kayla (MWSU) def. Holle,Kirsten (WU) 6-3, 6-1
4. El Ghazi,Yasmine (MWSU) def. Plum,Maggie (WU) 6-1, 4-6, 10-8
5. Shepler,Gwen (WU) def. Chiao,Denise (MWSU) 6-4, 6-4
6. Boldridge,Ceara (MWSU) def. Banks,Nzingha (WU) 6-0, 6-1

Doubles competition
1. Giraldo,Sarah/El Ghazi,Yasmine (MWSU) def. Buchman,Casyn/Holle,Kirsten (WU) 8-5
2. Blackim,Jodie/Plum,Maggie (WU) def. Boldridge,Ceara/Aguilera,Sofia (MWSU) 8-2
3. Dysart,Kayla/Chiao,Denise (MWSU) def. Shepler,Gwen/Sutton,Ashlynn (WU) 8-3