ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - No. 21 Griffon soccer (15-1-3, 10-1-2 MIAA) will continue its quest for an MIAA Women's Soccer Tournament Championship in a must-watch rematch against Central Missouri (13-4-2, 9-2-1 MIAA) Thursday at noon from Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas.
 
The winner of tomorrow's match will advance to the championship match against Washburn or Central Oklahoma on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. For more information and updates, visit https://themiaa.com/tournaments/?id=97.
 
HISTORY AT THE MIAA TOURNAMENT
This season marks the ninth time the Griffons have participated in the MIAA Women's Soccer Tournament. With their recent victory against Nebraska Kearney, the Griffons improved their all-time tournament record to 3-5-1. Heading into the match against UCM, the Griffons hold a 1-0-1 record in the semifinals. They beat Washburn 1-0 in 2017 and outdueled Northeastern State in PKs in 2020 following a 3-3 tie.
 
LAST TIME AGAINST THE JENNIES
Earlier this season, the Griffons and the Jennies met in a top-25 match on October 13 at Spratt Stadium. The Griffons secured a 1-0 victory, with Camrin Peaslee scoring the only goal in the 52nd minute, assisted by Aidyn Woodall. Senior Keeley Kroonenberg and the Griffons' strong defensive performance also played a crucial role in achieving the shutout. Since that game, Central Missouri has won five out of its last six matches, with their only defeat coming against No. 15 Washburn, which they lost 1-0.
 
RECAPPING THE QUARTERFINAL MATCH AGAINST UNK
Last Sunday, Missouri Western won 1-0 over Nebraska Kearney in the opening round of the MIAA Tournament at Spratt Stadium.
 
Junior Aidyn Woodall scored her fifth goal of the season with a right-footed chip shot just five minutes into the game, giving MWSU an early lead. The Griffon defense was outstanding, limiting the Lopers to only two shots throughout the match. Senior Keeley Kroonenberg (13-1-3) made a crucial one-on-one save in the 86th minute, her only save of the game to secure the victory.
 
Elisabeth Pujado and Woodall each recorded two shots, the highest for either team. Meanwhile, Corinne Stewart, Katelynn Rowland and Rachyl Benavides contributed one shot on goal each for the Western offense.
 
Brookelyn Buttolph, Nicoletta Froehlich, Annie McDevitt, Lauren Nylund, Rowland and Woodall helped the Griffons secure their 12th shutout this season with 90-minute outings.