LEBANON, Ill. - Matilda Soderlund and Marie Sepp had career-high scoring nights in the Griffons' (7-3) 77-69 victory over the McKendree Bearcats (7-1) on Tuesday night. This win marked the Griffons' fifth consecutive victory and handed the Bearcats their first loss of the season.
 
After neither team gained an advantage in the opening quarter, which ended in a 19-19 tie, McKendree found its rhythm. Propelled by a 9-0 run in the second quarter, McKendree outscored Missouri Western by seven points and took a 34-27 lead into the halftime break.
 
The tide turned significantly in favor of Western in the third quarter.  As a team, the Griffons performed exceptionally well, shooting 11-for-16 (68%) from the field, including an impressive 9-for-12 from three-point range. This allowed them to carry a comfortable 58-49 lead into the final 10 minutes of the game. Soderlund stood out for MWSU, scoring 18 points in the quarter by successfully making six of her nine shots from beyond the arc.
 
The Griffons secured an eight-point victory at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center, partly thanks to a strong seven-point performance in the fourth quarter from senior Alyssa Bonilla. This game marked her ninth double-figure scoring performance of the season, as she finished with 15 points.
 
Western lit up the scoreboard by making 14 three-pointers and was efficient at the free-throw line, shooting 11-for-13. Soderlund led the team with 24 points, showcasing an impressive 8-for-16 shooting performance from beyond the arc. Sepp also excelled, contributing 21 points and leading the team with five assists.
 
Missouri Western will return to action on Thursday, January 2, at home against the Nebraska Kearney Lopers. Tip-off from the MWSU Fieldhouse is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.