ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The conference-leading Missouri Western Soccer team (9-0-1, 4-0) returns home for 'Pink Week' against Northeastern State (8-2, 2-2 MIAA) and No. 5 Central Missouri (7-2-1, 4-0 MIAA). MWSU heads into the weekend receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll.
Action will kick off against the RiverHawks on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and conclude on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. against the Jennies at Spratt Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear pink for both matches. Free tee shirts will be available with a $10 donation to the Mosaic Breast Cancer Center
while supplies last.
Tommy Rezac will voice both matches, beginning with a pregame interview with coach
Jacob Plocher 15 minutes before each game on
GoGriffons.com/listen.
RECAPPING LAST WEEK
The Griffons extended their winning streak to a program-best eight matches with a successful 2-0 road trip last weekend. MWSU opened the weekend with a 3-0 win against the Newman Jets, scoring three second-half goals in route to the victory. They wrapped up the road trip with an impressive 3-0 victory at Central Oklahoma.
For the second straight week, a pair of Griffons were named MIAA Athlete of the Week. Senior
Keeley Kroonenberg was honored as Co-Goalkeeper of the Week, while Junior
Nicoletta Froehlich received Defender of the Week recognition.
Kroonenberg's record improved to 7-0-1 with the two wins. She achieved her second clean sheet of the season in the 3-0 victory over the Bronchos and made five saves without allowing any goals.
Froehlich helped the Griffons secure two shutout victories on the defensive side of the pitch. The Bakersfield, California native totaled 157 minutes and tallied three points with a goal and an assist against UCO on Sunday.
MIAA STANDINGS
| SCHOOL |
CONF |
CPTS |
CPCT |
OVERALL |
PCT |
| Missouri Western |
W4 |
12 |
1.000 |
9-0-1 |
.950 |
| Central Missouri |
W4 |
12 |
1.000 |
7-2-1 |
.750 |
| Washburn |
W2 |
7 |
.833 |
5-2-2 |
.667 |
| Fort Hays State |
T1 |
7 |
.625 |
5-2-3 |
.650 |
| Northwest Missouri |
W1 |
7 |
.625 |
4-2-4 |
.600 |
| Northeastern State |
W2 |
6 |
.500 |
8-2 |
.800 |
| Central Oklahoma |
L1 |
5 |
.500 |
4-4-2 |
.500 |
| Emporia State |
T1 |
4 |
.500 |
3-3-2 |
.500 |
| Nebraska Kearney |
L2 |
2 |
.250 |
4-2-4 |
.600 |
| Pittsburg State |
L1 |
2 |
.250 |
4-4-2 |
.500 |
| Missouri Southern |
T1 |
2 |
.250 |
1-5-4 |
.300 |
| Rogers State |
T2 |
2 |
.250 |
1-7-2 |
.200 |
| Newman |
L4 |
0 |
.000 |
0-9-1 |
.050 |
TOP PERFORMERS
Kendall Knisley has been a pivotal asset for the Western offense. The Eldridge, Iowa native has tallied 10 points off four assists and three goals. Additionally, her 28 shots are tied for the fifth-most in the MIAA.
Senior
Lauren Nylund has also shined this season with 10 points and 889 minutes. The defender's five goals are tied for the third-most in the league, and she leads the conference with three game-winning goals.
Senior
Keeley Kroonenberg (7-0-1) holds a 0.65 goals-against average and 0.815 save percentage heading into the weekend. The Highlands Ranch, Colorado native has tallied solo clean sheets against Bemidji State and Central Oklahoma.
Aidyn Woodall and
Camrin Peaslee have each chipped in three goals, while senior Katelyn Rowland leads the team with 13 shots on goal.
ABOUT THE RIVERHAWKS
Northeastern State has had a solid start to the season, going 6-0 in non-conference play and 2-2 in conference play. In 2023, NSU finished with a record of 6-9-4 and lost in the MIAA Tournament to Fort Hays State, 2-0.
Senior Whitney Gentry has led the offensive attack with 11 points from five goals and an assist. Junior goalkeeper Rebecca Partyka (2-2-0) has started four matches and has a 0.778 goals-against average.
ABOUT THE JENNIES
No. 5 Central Missouri has a 7-2-1 record this season and remains undefeated in league play. Last season, UCM finished with a 16-5-2 record and was the runner-up in the MIAA tournament. They concluded the season with a 1-1 record in the NCAA Central Region Tournament, securing a 2-0 win against Minnesota State and suffering a 3-2 overtime loss to Washburn.
Senior #5 Ashleigh Martin has collected a conference-leading 14 points with six goals and two assists. Sophomore Kristen Wright (7-2-1) has started in nine games in goal for the Jennies and has a 0.47 goals-against average.
