ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The undefeated Griffon Soccer team (10-0-1, 5-0-0 MIAA) moved into first place in the conference standings with a pair of second-half goals to defeat Northeastern State (8-3-0, 2-3-0) on Friday night.
 
The two clubs were engaged in a defensive battle during the first 45 minutes, combining for five shots. Aidyn Woodall, Katelynn Rowland, Annie McDevitt and Rachyl Benavides each fired a shot for MWSU, who controlled 60 percent of the possession time and forced two corner kicks.
 
In the 70th minute, a shot from Corinne Stewart forced the RiverHawk goalkeeper out of position, leading to an NSU own goal to put the Griffons ahead. Benavides sealed the match with her second goal of the season in the final minute with a right-footed shot assisted by McDevitt.
 
Senior Keeley Kroonenberg (8-0-1) added her second straight clean sheet in goal. The Highlands Ranch, Colorado native faced only three shots and collected her lone save in the second half.
 
Woodall, Rowland, McDevitt, Nicoletta Froehlich and Lauren Nylund played the complete 90 minutes for Western in the defensive showcase, holding the RiverHawks to only three shots for the entire match.
 
Missouri Western will host the fifth-ranked Central Missouri Jennies (7-2-2, 4-0-1 MIAA) at 1:00 p.m. this Sunday. UCM played a 4-4 draw with Northwest Missouri State tonight in Maryville.