ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western lacrosse (2-1) scored a 12-7 win over Westminster (Utah) on a pleasant  and sunny Thursday afternoon at Spratt Stadium.

Missouri Western scored three goals in each quarter and never trailed in the match. The Griffons' largest lead was 9-3 with 1:37 to go in the third quarter before Westminster (1-2), who's known as the 'Griffins,' scored four fourth quarter goals to try and mount a comeback.

Still leading 10-7 with 6:24 remaining, Missouri Western's Caetryn Gilreath and Jessica Brook each scored a goal inside the last five minutes to put the match out of reach. Brook's goal came with just 54 seconds remaining.

Gilreath tied her season and career-best with four total goals. Brook, Jordan Porter and Brooke Tjernlund had a pair of goals each.

Ava Garaway (2-1) performed well in cage, recording 11 saves in the full 60 minutes.

Sam Pruitt and Callie Faragher each had two assists. Clare Sondrall led the team defensively with three caused turnovers and three groundballs. Grace Williams had a team-best four draw controls.

As a team, Western totaled 24 groundballs, 17 shots-on-goal and the Griffs caused 17 turnovers.

Missouri Western stays home on Saturday to continue non-conference play and the homestand against UC-Colorado Springs. The match is set for an 11 a.m. start.