GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Griffon Lacrosse (2-1) claimed a gritty 9-7 road victory against Colorado Mesa on Saturday afternoon during its Colorado trip.

MWSU struck first just 2:21 into the opening quarter as Madi Brinkman found the back of the net. Brinley Willenbrock followed with a goal off an assist from Brittan Gulick to give MWSU a 2-0 advantage.

The Griffons extended the lead in the second quarter when Gretchen Wenner capitalized on a man-up opportunity off a feed from Maleah Sosa to make it 3-0. Colorado Mesa answered with three straight goals to even the score at 3-3, and later tied it again at 4-4 heading into halftime after Jessica Brook's late goal gave MWSU a brief edge.

Caetryn Gilreath opened the second half with a goal off an assist from Brooke Tjernlund to regain the lead at 5-4. The Mavericks responded to tie the game at 5-5 and then took their first lead at 6-5 midway through the third quarter. Gilreath answered with her second goal of the day to knot the score at 6-6 before Sosa scored off another assist from Tjernlund to put MWSU back in front, 7-6, entering the fourth.

In the final quarter, Gulick extended the lead to 8-6. After Colorado Mesa trimmed the deficit to one, Brinkman sealed the win with her second goal of the game off an assist from Maddie Chidester to secure the 9-7 final.

In goal, Ava Garaway played all 60 minutes and made nine saves.

MWSU also controlled the draw circle, finishing with a 12-7 advantage in draw controls, including a 5-1 edge in the third quarter to help swing momentum.

What's Next
MWSU closes out its Colorado road swing on Tuesday, Feb. 24, taking on Fort Lewis at 1 p.m. CST in Grand Junction, Colo.