TOPEKA, Kan. - No. 15 Griffon Soccer (14-1-3, 9-1-2 MIAA) suffered its first loss of the season in the regular season finale against No. 20 Washburn (12-3-2, 9-1-1 MIAA), 1-0, at Yager Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Washburn secured the match with a goal in the 79th minute.
 
"It was a great battle between two very good teams," commented head coach Jacob Plocher on the top 20 showdown, "We have to be able to get over that hump moving forward. This team has the ability to compete with anyone. We just have to be able to lock it in for 90 minutes."
 
The Griffons and Ichabods were locked in a defensive stalemate during the first half, with neither team managing to score in the opening 45 minutes. Western took six shots, while Washburn had just one, which senior Keeley Kroonenberg saved in the 12th minute. Corinne Stewart and Kaari Little spearheaded the offensive effort, each contributing two shots.
 
Washburn opened the second half strongly, firing off four shots in the opening 10 minutes. They eventually found the game-winner in the 79th minute, a goal from Josie Boyle, to take a 1-0 lead. This marked the first time the Griffons have trailed since September 27 against Rogers State.
 
Senior defender Lauren Nylund took the final shot (on goal) in the 85th minute. However, her attempt was saved in the lower center of the net by goalkeeper Alli Harrington, as the Ichabods went on to secure the victory.
 
The Griffons outshot the Ichabods 9-7, and both teams had two corner kicks. Kroonenberg, Nylund and Little each finished with a match-leading two shots.
 
In her last regular-season start wearing the Griffon uniform, Kroonenberg (12-1-3) faced seven shots and tallied three saves. Additionally, Aidyn Woodall, Annie McDevitt, Nicoletta Froehlich, Nylund and Brookelyn Buttolph each played the full 90 minutes and helped restrict the Washburn offense to only four shots on goal.
 
The Griffons will need the Washburn to tie or lose to Emporia State to secure their first MIAA Regular Season Championship in program history. The Ichabods and Hornets will kick off from the ESU Pitch next Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.
 
Missouri Western will shift its focus to the postseason. They are guaranteed to host the 2024 MIAA Women's Soccer Tournament opening round on Sunday, November 10, at Spratt Stadium. The opponent and start time of the match are to be determined. For more information and updates, visit https://gogriffons.com/sports/womens-soccer.