MIDLAND, Mich. - Missouri Western Lacrosse (4-3) took care of business in the inaugural meeting with the Northwood Timberwolves (3-3) with a 21-6 victory at Hantz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
 
The Griffons shot out of a cannon to open the match with goals from Ryann Durrett and Caetryn Gilreath in the first two minutes. Gilreath and senior Sam Pruitt each contributed five points in the first half, helping Western to establish an early 10-point lead at 14-4 heading into the intermission.
 
Western maintained its dominance in the second half, outscoring the Timberwolves 7-2, which led to the decisive 15-goal victory. MWSU limited NU to eight shots during the second half and had a significant edge in ground balls, with a 9-2 advantage in the final 30 minutes.
 
Pruitt led the Griffs with seven points, collecting a season-high five assists and a pair of goals scored. Gilreath added six points with match-leading five goals, while sophomore's Durrett (4) and Callie Faragher (2) both added career-high goals scored.
 
Defensively, senior Grace Williams caused two turnovers and Pruitt led the game with four ground balls. Sophomore Ava Garaway improved her record to 4-3 in the cage with seven saves, and Anna Raumschuh tallied a save on her first appearance of the season.
 
Missouri Western will return to action this Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. against the Walsh Cavaliers at Larry Staudt Field in North Canton, Ohio.