ST. JOSEPH – Friday afternoon's Missouri Western soccer game against Northwest Missouri State lived up to its rivalry billing with the Griffons coming away with a 1-0 win to improve to 4-1 on the season.
 
What was meant as a pass turned into the game winner for Sarah Blakley, whose high pass to the center of the box went off a Northwest Missouri player and into the goal during the 47^th minute. The two teams traded control in the first half but struggled to get off shots. Both teams managed just three shots each in the first 45 minutes. For the first time all season, Missouri Western was out-shot, 9-7 but got the one they needed just after the break.
 
The Griffons fought off six second half shots by the Bearcats, including an incredible save by Paige LaBadie off a corner that would have tied the game. LaBadie finished with four saves, her first shutout and moved to 1-0 on the season.
 
The game was originally scheduled to be played in Maryville, but was moved to St. Joseph due to soggy field conditions at Northwest Missouri. The Griffons travel to St. Charles to take on Lindenwood on Sunday at noon.