TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – In a season already filled with historical moments, Sunday may have topped them all as Griffon soccer set a new program record for wins and shutouts in a season on a field where the program had experienced little but pain.
 
Cassidy Menke scored the game-winning goal in the 26^th minute off a deflected save. Menke added to her MIAA lead and MWSU single-season record, scoring her 13^th goal of 2017.
 
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Missouri Western moved to 12-2 on the season with its ninth shutout of the season, 1-0 at Northeastern State (10-2). It was the program's first-ever win at Northeastern State and just the second-ever win over the RiverHawks. The 12 wins are the most for the program, breaking the previous record of 11 set last year. The ninth shutout was also a new program record, besting the eight by the 2014 and 2016 teams. It also gave Missouri Western its sixth MIAA win of the season, tying the most in program history and leaving the Griffons with four chances to break that record.
 
SEASON SIGNIFICANCE
The win had plenty of historical significance, but its impact on the season might have been even bigger. After Sunday, Missouri Western took sole possession of second place in the MIAA, gaining a three-point lead on Northeastern State and a two-point lead on Fort Hays State after the Tigers tied with Missouri Southern, Sunday. Washburn's loss at Central Missouri, Sunday, also helped create a little more separation for the Griffons toward the top of the standings.
 
UP NEXT
The Griffons travel to Topeka, Kansas to take on Washburn (8-5-1), Friday, Oct. 20. Missouri Western plays its next-to-last road game of the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Emporia State (6-6-2).