ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Missouri Western soccer team (2-0-1) opened its six-game home stand with a three-goal shutout victory over William Jewell (1-2-0) on Thursday night at Spratt Stadium.
 
"I liked the way that they kept pushing," commented head coach Jacob Plocher following the match. "We kept pressing and trying to create chances, out shooting them 38-3. We would like to convert a few more, but I was happy that we added one right before half and the third one in the last minute."
 
Junior transfer Rachyl Benavides netted her goal in a Missouri Western uniform as time expired in the first half, assisted by sophomore Grace Apgar—the first assist of her career. The Griffons collected 19 shots, with 10 on goal in the first half, and dominated the time of possession, 61-39.
 
The reigning MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week, Lauren Nylund, tallied her third goal of the season with a penalty kick in the 82nd minute to extend the lead to two goals. In the 90th minute, Kendall Knisley recorded her first goal of the 2024 campaign with an assisted pass from Kaari Little.
 
MWSU collected 38 shots (18 on goal), the most since 2017 when they tallied 41 against Ouachita Baptist (Ark.). Corinne Stewart led the Griffon offensive attack with six shots, followed by Knisley's five. Benavides added a match-leading four shots on goal.
 
Senior Sophie Wellinghoff (1-0) made her second career start in goal for Western. The Belleville, Illinois native collected one save in the shutout performance. Katelynn Rowland, Nicoletta Froehlich, Nylund and Brookelyn Buttolph had strong showings after playing for the full 90 minutes.
 
The Griffons will remain at home on Sunday against Sioux Falls (S.D.). Kickoff from Spratt Stadium is scheduled for noon.