GAC-MIAA CHALLENGE
Stevens Soccer Complex | Harding University | Searcy, Arkansas
Game 1: Friday, Aug. 31, 3 p.m. at
Ouachita Baptist
Game 2: Sunday, Sept. 2, 3 p.m. at
Harding
ST. JOSEPH - The Griffons will get their 2018 soccer season started with two games on the road in the GAC-MIAA challenge at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.
Missouri Western and Emporia State are representing the MIAA and will face Ouachita Baptist and Harding University from the GAC.
This will be the fifth consecutive year that the Griffons will be participating in the GAC-MIAA challenge. Missouri Western went 2-0 in the event last season in St. Joseph. All-time, Missouri Western is 8-0 while participating in the GAC-MIAA Challenge. The Griffons scored 11 goals and only conceded one goal in the two crossover games in St. Joseph last season.
Taylor Schwartzkopf recorded a hat trick in her first career collegiate soccer game vs. Ouachita Baptist last season. Schwartzkopf returns to the team this year after suffering a season-ending injury at Central Missouri last year. The Griffons will also welcome back two of their top four goal scorers from last season. Cassidy Menke scored 15 goals last season to lead the team. Menke is one of four All-MIAA selections from last year returning.
Ouachita Baptist
The Tigers come to the GAC-MIAA challenge after being picked to tie for fourth in the GAC Preseason Poll. Top goal scorer from last season Bryson Thomas returns for her senior season with the Tigers after scoring six goals last season. Forwards Megan North and Kylie Sharp also return after scoring a pair of goals each for the Tigers last year. Starting goalie Erin Webster also returns after finishing second in the GAC last season with a .780 save percentage.
Harding
The Bisons of Harding University were picked to finish third in the GAC Preseason Poll. Returning for the Bisons this season are 2017 All-Region honorees Bethany Sutherland and Sierra Phillips. Sutherland currently ranks second among all Division II returning players with 51 career goals scored. Goalie Jessica Woessner also returns for the Bisons after recording a .760 save percentage in 13 starts last season.
