Football
A 17-point halftime deficit was too much for the Missouri Western football team to overcome on Homecoming Saturday at Spratt Memorial Stadium. The Griffons (4-3, 4-3 MIAA) lost for the first time in a month, 17-16 to Central Oklahoma (4-3, 4-3 MIAA).
Missouri Western dominated the stat sheet, but 10 points off two first-half interceptions helped UCO to the advantage on the scoreboard. Down 17-14 with 1:49 left, the Griffons drove 52 yards on 11 plays to set up a potential game-tying field goal from Sam Aviles from 45 yards out. The reigning MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week left the kick a little short and allowed UCO to take over and run the clock down before running it out by taking a safety on a fourth and 16.
The football Griffons are away next Saturday, Oct. 20 at Emporia State. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
Volleyball
For the second night in a row, Griffon volleyball (12-12, 4-7 MIAA) fell in four sets this past Saturday. They were beaten by Emporia State (11-13, 5-6). Next up is a match against Northwest Missouri State at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16.
Soccer
Missouri Western soccer (10-4, 5-2 MIAA) scored one goal in Sunday’s game at Missouri Southern (7-5-2, 3-3-1 MIAA), but it was enough to give them the 1-0 victory over the Lions. With Sunday’s win, the Griffons finish the weekend 2-0 after defeating Southwest Baptist 3-1 on Friday.
The next game is at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at Northeastern State University.
Women’s Tennis
Missouri Western tennis wrapped up the 2018 fall season in dominating fashion, sweeping Grand View University 9-0 on Friday.
It was a complete team effort for the Griffons, as each individual posted an impressive performance. Mireia Birosta and Ciarra Gilmore started off doubles play with an 8-1 victory. The victory completes the undefeated season for the doubles pair. Joanna Abreu Roman and Karolina Ström won their doubles match 8-2.
The singles matches were highlighted by Federica Salmaso and Erica Dunn. Salmaso set the tone in singles by shutting out her opponent 6-0, 6-0 in the first match. Dunn took the 6-1, 6-0 victory to close out her fall season. Her win on Friday gives Dunn her first career collegiate win in singles.
Mireia Birosta and Ciarra Gilmoreboth won by default in singles.
Friday’s match against Grand View was the final match of the fall season because their scheduled match against William Jewell on Oct. 19 was cancelled. Missouri Western tennis will open their spring season at home against Newman University on Feb. 1.