KEARNEY, Neb. - Rachyl Benavides' goal in the second half propelled the undefeated No. 20 Griffons (12-0-1, 6-0-0 MIAA) to a 1-0 victory over Nebraska-Kearney (5-4-4, 1-4-2 MIAA) on Friday afternoon at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium. MWSU extended its winning streak to 11 with the win. 
 
"Today wasn't our best performance, but the ladies battled and found a way to get it done," commented head coach Jacob Plocher. "They showed once again their grit and heart in the second half effort."
 
Neither team could find the back of the net in the opening period. However, the Griffons dominated the pitch by outshooting the Lopers 9-3, with seven shots on goal and four corner kicks.
 
Senior Katelynn Rowland led the offensive attack in the first half with two shots on goal. Aidyn Woodall, Nicoletta Froehlich, Corinne Stewart, Ava Jellen and Elisabeth Pujado each also had a shot on goal.
 
In the 82nd minute, Rachyl Benavides chipped in her third goal of the season to break the scoreless gridlock. Camrin Peaslee collected her first assist of the season during the game-winning sequence. MWSU controlled the pitch for the remainder of the match with shots coming from Kendall Knisley and Rowland in the final minutes to secure the one-goal victory.
 
Keeley Kroonenberg (10-0-1) made her 11th start of the season in goal for the Griffs. The senior from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, picked up her fourth straight and fifth clean sheet of the season with five saves.
 
Stewart led the Griffon offense, which outshot UNK 17-9 with a match-leading five shots (one on goal). Western also ended with an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks and held a 51-49 advantage in time of possession.
 
Rowland, Annie McDevitt, Lauren Nylund and Brookelyn Buttolph each played the full 90 minutes to contribute to the shutout.
 
Missouri Western will face Fort Hays State (6-3-3, 3-2-1 MIAA) on the road this Sunday. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.