No. 6 seed Missouri Western opens the MIAA women’s soccer tournament Sunday at No. 3 Pittsburg State, seeking to defend the program’s first conference tournament title. The Griffons enter on a 3-0 win over Northwest Missouri State; the Gorillas won the teams’ regular-season meeting, 1-0.

By the Numbers
  • Missouri Western: 8-3-7 overall; 5-3-4 in MIAA play.
  • Pittsburg State: 13-0-5 overall; 7-0-5 in MIAA play.
  • Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
  • Goalkeeper Morgan Byrd has 14 career shutouts; Missouri Western has seven this season.
Yes, But

Missouri Western enters with momentum, but Pittsburg State has yet to lose this season and shut out the Griffons in their October matchup. Byrd made nine saves in that 1-0 defeat.

What's Next

A win would send Missouri Western to the semifinals Friday, Nov. 6, against No. 2 Central Missouri or No. 7 Northwest Missouri State. The semifinals and championship game will be played in Wichita, with the title match set for Sunday, Nov. 8.

Bottom Line

The Griffons’ title defense begins with a tough road test against an unbeaten conference opponent—and a chance to avenge their narrow regular-season loss.