ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western lacrosse (4-3) is set to conclude its non-conference road schedule against the defending three-time G-MAC Champion Walsh Cavaliers (2-6) on Tuesday in North Canton, Ohio. The game will take place at 10:00 a.m. from Larry Staudt Field.
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Tuesday's match will be broadcast free and live on the Great Midwest Digital Network. Live stats will also be available here.
 
HOW ABOUT GRACE?
On Tuesday afternoon, the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) revealed its weekly awards for women's lacrosse, and senior Grace Williams earned recognition as the GLVC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in her career (2/26/24).
 
Williams had a stellar week on the defensive side of the field in the 2-0 week against Concordia-St. Paul and Northwood. The Ballwin native collected seven ground balls, forced four turnovers and secured a draw control in the victories. Additionally, she helped MWSU hold the Golden Bears and Timberwolves to a combined 26 shots and 11 goals.
 
SAM JOINS THE 200 POINT CLUB
Senior Sam Pruitt, the all-time leader in points, achieved another significant milestone in her historic career with the Griffons during their 12-5 victory over Concordia-St. Paul last Friday.
 
With her goal in the second quarter, Pruitt not only put the Griffons ahead 4-2 but also acquired her 200th career point. Heading into the week, the Ellisville native has acquired 210 career points with 147 goals and 63 assists.
 
TOP GRIFFON PERFORMERS
Pruitt remains the team leader with 34 points, the sixth-most in the GLVC. The Ellisville native has recorded 18 goals and 16 assists (3rd GLVC) and ranks fourth in the league with an average of 6.71 shots per game. Furthermore, she has collected 14 ground balls, 11 draw controls and eight caused turnovers.
 
Junior Caetryn Gilreath has scored 24 goals this season, making her the leading goal scorer for the Griffons and ranking her fifth in the GLVC. In addition, she has collected a team-high 33 shots on goal and 11 ground balls.
 
Williams has anchored the MO West defense, ranking second in the GLVC with an average of 2.29 caused turnovers per game. Brooke Tjernlund follows in ninth with 1.57. Additionally, Jordan Porter has gathered 14 ground balls, and Clare Sondrall has claimed 15 draw controls.
 
Goalie Ava Garaway (4-3) enters the week with a goals-against average of 10.80. The sophomore has tallied 67 saves, placing her third in the GLVC, and her average of 9.57 saves per game ranks as the third-best in the league. She also leads the team with 17 ground balls (10th GLVC).
 
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS
Walsh finished the 2024 campaign 12-5 (7-0 G-MAC) and was picked to win its fourth straight Great Midwest Conference Championship with 57 points and seven first-place votes.
 
The Cavaliers' record is 2-6 heading into the matchup. Two weeks ago, they won their first two games of the season against Charleston and Daemen. However, they hit a roadblock last week with losses against Rockhurst (9-8 OT) and Grand Valley State (9-5).
 
Senior attacker Rachel Black is the player to watch for Walsh. The native of Watertown, New York, is tied for the most points on the team with 21 (18 goals, 3 assists) with fellow senior Katie Coomes. She has also collected five ground balls and caused four ground balls.
 
Freshman goalie Hailey Kuruc (0-3) has started the last two games for the Cavaliers. The native of Lake Mary, Florida, holds a goals-against average of 12.35 and has recorded 20 saves this season.