ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Kendall Knisley punched in a goal at the 71st minute and Griffon Soccer (6-2-4, 3-2-1 MIAA) overcame a slow start for a 1-0 win over Missouri Southern (2-5-3, 1-2-2 MIAA) on Sunday at Spratt Stadium.
The Griffons were held to just one shot on goal in the first half, but started to see more chances in the second. A Missouri Southern foul midway through the second half set Cadence Dobberstein up for a free kick, which she shot into the box.
Ava Smith then made the last pass to Knisley, who knocked it in from just a couple of yards away on the left side. Knisley, who has now scored a goal in five of the last seven matches, pushes her season total to six and her career total to 24.
MoWest was also impressive defensively in the second half, denying the Lions any shot on goal in the last 45 minutes.
Sydney Puetz had three shots, as did Magaly Lopez. Lopez had a pair of shots on goal - one in each half. Smith, Dobberstein and Marielle Wright played the entire 90 minutes on defense.
Morgan Byrd achieved her fifth shutout of the season and 12th of her career Sunday, playing all 90 minutes and recording five saves.
MoWest goes on the road this coming Friday to battle Fort Hays State (2-7-2, 0-5-1 MIAA). The match is set to start at 1 p.m.
