EDMOND, Okla. -- Coming into Sunday's quarterfinal match against Central Oklahoma, the Griffons looked to draw on their play during the first half of the teams' regular season meeting, but a second-minute goal left Missouri Western chasing the match. MWSU had the bulk of the possession in the second half and a slight edge in shots on goal, but wasn't able to find an equalizer to extend the season. Madison Linavong's goal held up for the 1-0 result as Missouri Western finished the season 9-8-2.
Missouri Western earned the possession off the opening kick as the Bronchos dumped a long ball into the corner. An unfortunate turnover by the Griffons as they were building out of the left wing gave Central Oklahoma an early opportunity, and Monika McGee sent a hopeful ball into the 18-yard box. The pass hung in the air and fell awkwardly in front of Anna Mayer. Mayer wasn't able to corral the ball and Linavong was on the spot to poke it home.
The Griffons had a trio of chances to equalize in the first half, with Kelsey Burkey's 11th-minute shot saved by Kaitlyn Asher, and then back-to-back shots from Tina Palmieri and Kaili Campbell near the midpoint of the half also turned away by Asher.
MWSU survived a flurry of chances in the 65th minute, as Lauren Hinnenkamp's shot was blocked and the rebound by Linavong was saved by Mayer.
Campbell had a dangerous chance for Missouri Western in the 82nd minute as the Griffons earned a free kick on the left wing. Evelyn Daly served a perfectly weighted cross just off of the six-yard box, and Campbell outjumped her marker to head the ball on net. Asher was able to get just enough of a touch to the ball to push it wide for a corner,
Missouri Western closes out the 2021 season with a 9-8-2 record, while Central Oklahoma moves on to the MIAA semifinals with a record of 13-4-2.