ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Missouri Western Lacrosse team made its 2025 Spratt Stadium debut in style, defeating Colorado State - Pueblo 19-7 on Sunday at Craig Field.

Nine Griffons scored goals in the victory, including Jessica Brook, who also dished out a program-record seven assists.

"Jessica played a phenomenal game," said head coach Jessica Berg. "She's a weapon - just so patient and intelligent. We were so confident sharing the ball right off the bat. Of course it doesn't hurt to score on the first shot of the game."

The Griffons got on the board just 35 seconds in, when Sam Pruitt found Caetryn Gilreath for the first of her three goals on the day. Pruitt paced the Griffons with a team-high five goals, while Brooke Tjernlund also recorded a hat trick.  MWSU had a 5-1 lead after one quarter, before taking a 9-4 lead to halftime. The Griffons scored five goals in each of the final two quarters to pull away. 

The Griffons out-shot CSUP 48-21, with sophomore goalie Ava Garaway recording eight saves en route to her first career victory in net.MWSU recorded 22 ground balls. 

"Overall, I was pleased with our defense, despite the fact we couldn't be as aggressive as we wanted to be," Berg said. "I thought Ava really played well in goal and will only continue to get better. Grace (Williams) continues to be our anchor on the defensive side."

The Griffons improve to 1-1 on the season after getting a unique second chance of sorts at a home opener. MWSU lost 15-12 to Colorado Mesa seven days earlier inside the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex, which served as a make-shift home opening site due to the winter weather. Sunday's win came in the friendly confines of Spratt Stadium, which has served as the Griffons' primary home during all five seasons of the program's existence. 

Western is back in Spratt for home action this Thursday, February 27th when the Griffons host Westminister (Utah) at 4:00pm.