ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Chad Edwards said he wanted, needed, his team to score more goals in 2016. Well, if game one is going to set the tone for the rest of the season then Missouri Western’s all-time winningest head soccer coach is probably happy.

Edwards’ Griffons opened the 2016 season with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win over Harding at the MIAA-GAC Challenge hosted by Ouachita Baptist. The four goals were more than the team scored in any of its 18 games last year.

Sarah Blakley’s header in the 99th minute gave Missouri Western the win after coming back from a 3-2 deficit late in regulation. 2015 leading scorer Bridget Blessie knocked in a penalty kick with less than five minutes remaining in regulation to tie the game at three. The goal was much needed after two Harding goals in a three-minute span turned a 2-1 MWSU advantage into a 3-2 deficit.

The Griffons twice tied the game and twice regained the lead. After falling behind 1-0 following a Harding goal in the 10th minute, Sydney Cluck scored her first goal of 2016 off a rebound to tie the game at one. Missouri Western took its second lead of the game off a Maddy Cowell corner kick in the 48th minute to give the Griffons a 2-1 advantage. Harding answered with a goal in the 62nd minute and another in the 65th.

Both teams ended with 14 shots each, eight on goal. Lexie Martin had five saves in her first start in goal for the Griffons.

Missouri Western continues play in the crossover event, Sunday, when they take on host Ouchita Baptist at 1:30 p.m.

— MWSU Athletics —