ST. JOSEPH, Mo.  - Aidyn Woodall's early goal helped propel No. 21 Griffon Soccer (15-1-3, 10-1-2 MIAA) to a 1-0 victory over Nebraska Kearney (8-6-5, 4-6-3 MIAA) in the first round of the MIAA tournament at Spratt Stadium.
 
"I thought we did a better job today of playing our brand of soccer," commented MIAA Coach of the Year, Jacob Plocher, on the team's performance. "We left a few good looks out there still but the team worked hard and earned the right to move on to the semis."
 
In the sixth minute of the game, Woodall, who was honored with All-MIAA Third Team selection earlier this week, scored her fifth goal of the season with a right-footed chip shot. The Griffons outshot the Lopers 5-0, including three shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
 
The Griffon defense continued to dominate in the second half, restricting the Lopers to just two shots. Senior Keeley Kroonenberg (13-1-3), the MIAA Goalkeeper of the Year, made an impressive save in the 86th minute by winning a one-on-one battle, which marked her only save of the match.
 
Elisabeth Pujado's and Woodall's two shots were the most by either team. Corinne Stewart, Katelynn Rowland and Rachyl Benavides each added a shot on goal for the Western attack.

Brookelyn Buttolph, Nicoletta Froehlich, Annie McDevitt, Lauren Nylund, Rowland and Woodall helped the Griffons secure their 12th shutout this season with 90-minute outings.
 
Missouri Western will meet the Central Missouri Jennies (13-4-2, 9-2-1 MIAA) in the MIAA Tournament semifinal match this Thursday in Wichita, Kansas. Kickoff from  Stryker Sports Complex is scheduled for noon. The winner will face the win of No. 16 Washburn and Central Oklahoma on championship Saturday.