The Missouri Western women’s basketball team continued their road struggles Saturday as they fell at Lindenwood, 72-60. The Griffons shot 41.1-percent (23-56) from the field but got outscored at the free throw line 24-7. The Griffons fall to 9-12 overall and 4-10 in MIAA play.

The Griffons opened up the game scoring the first five points but from there the Lady Lions would take command. Lindenwood went on a 22-8 run which was capped by a Julie Hlinak jumper giving Lindenwood the 22-13 lead with 10:52 to play in the frame.

Missouri Western responded nicely going on a 10-1 tying the score at 23 after a Kyrsten Crawford layup with 5:09 left in the half. Lindenwood outscored the Griffons by four the rest of the frame taking the 34-30 lead at the half.

In the first half the Griffons turned the ball over 15 times despite shooting 44.4-percent (12-27) from the field. The Griffons were led by Crawford with 8 points. The Lions made 14-of-19 free throws with Kassidy Gengenbacher and Caroline Bourlioux leading the way with seven points apiece. The Lions scored 15 points off Griffon turnovers.

The Griffons quickly closed the four point gap by scoring six of the first eight points in the second half tying the score at 36 with 15:43 to play. Both teams would go on mini runs and after a three pointer from Alex Saxen with 9:34 to play the Griffons trailed by just two at 47-45 with 9:34 to play.

Lindenwood dominated the rest of play outscoring the Griffons 25-15 winning by 12. The Lady Lions improve to 11-10 overall and 6-8 in MIAA play. They were led by Bourlioux with 16 points while Gengenbacher and Jenny Rocha dumped in 15 and 12 respectively.

The Griffons were led by Saxen with 14 points while Lockett and Crawford pitched in 12 and 11 respectively. The Griffons had 23 turnovers which led to 24 Lindenwood points.

The Griffons return home on Saturday, February 15 to take on the Missouri Southern Lions at 1:30 pm in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western softball went 2-0 on day one of the Hurry Up Classic defeating Henderson State 5-1 and Ouachita Baptist 1-0 in eight innings. The Griffons used two complete games by pitchers Jackie Bishop and Janie Smith to get the victories. On the afternoon Bre Fleschner went 3-for-7 with a run scored while Tiffany Gillaspy went 3-for-6 with a run scored.

Game 1
Missouri Western 5, Henderson State 1

In their 2014 season opener the Missouri Western softball team pounded out 10 hits and used a strong pitching performance from senior Bishop picking up the 5-1 victory over Henderson State.

The Griffons were able to get two players on in the top of the first but stranded Bre Fleschner and Tiffany Gillaspy at third and second. In the third the Griffons opened the scoring when Fleschner singled to shortstop and later scored on a Brooke Schaben double to left center.

The Reddies answered in the bottom of the third when Tricia Hock homered to left field tying the score at one.

The rest of the game belonged to Bishop and the Griffons. In the fourth Kailey Green blasted the first homer of her career to center field which was followed up by a Taylor Anding bomb to left field giving the Griffons the 3-1 lead after four.

In the 5th Anding struck again with two outs, hitting a two run single scoring Sydney Washington and Gillaspy pushing the Missouri Western led to 5-1.

That is all Bishop needed going all seven innings giving up five hits while striking out nine. She improves to 1-0 with the victory.

Fleschner went 3-for-4 with one run scored while Gillaspy and Anding each had two hits. Anding finished with three RBI and one run scored.

The Reddies fall to 2-3 on the season as five different players got a hit in the game. Ashlyn White falls to 0-1 on the season going 3.2 innings giving up six hits and three earned runs while striking out two.

Game 2
Missouri Western 1, Ouachita Baptist 0 (8 Innings)

Sophomore pitcher Janie Smith pitched an outstanding game picking up an eight hit 1-0 extra inning shutout against the Ouachita Baptist Tigers. Smith struck out two Tigers and and got a game ending ground out with the bases loaded in the 8th inning picking up the victory.

The Griffons got just three hits in the game with Morgan Rathmann, Gillaspy and Kat Stephonovich all getting a hit. Missouri Western scored the game winning run in the top of the 8th inning with the international tie breaker. Washington was put on second and stole third. Smith walked and pinch runner Taylor Schaben stole second putting runners on second and third with no one out. With one out Steponovich hit a sacrifice fly scoring Washington.

In the bottom half of the inning Smith loaded the bases on back-to-back walks but buckled down getting back-to-back strikeouts before getting the game ending ground out. She struck out six in her second shutout of her career. Here first was on March 16, 2013 when the Griffons beat Southwest Baptist 8-0.

The Tigers fall to 1-2 on the season. Macy Nantz led the way going 3-for-3 with two doubles while Teresa Mursuli went 2-for-4. Abbi Frakes went eight innings giving up just three hits while striking out five. She falls to 1-2 with the loss.

The Griffons return to action on Saturday, February 8 with two games. The Griffons will take on Cameron University at 9 am at Ouachita Baptist and Arkansas Tech at 1 pm at Henderson State.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western State University head football coach Jerry Partridge has announced the signing of 27 football student-athletes to the 2014 National Letter of Intent.

The Griffons had another solid season tying the school record for best start to a season going 7-0 before dropping a game. The only other time it was done was in the 1981 season. The Griffons finished the season 8-3 overall and 6-3 in MIAA play. The Griffons also tied the school record for highest ranking by the American Football Coaches Association getting up to 4th on October 21, 2013. Under Partridge the Griffons have won 8 or more games in 11 of Coach Partridge’s 17 seasons which includes the last five seasons. The Griffons have won nine or more games in seven of the last 11 years. They have also played in a post season game in eight of the last nine seasons (4 playoff appearances, 4 Mineral Water Bowl games).

Missouri Western signed seven offensive lineman (5 freshman & 2 junior college transfers), four defensive tackles (all freshman), three defensive ends (all freshman), five defensive backs (all freshman), four wide receivers (3 freshman & 1 junior college transfer), two running backs (both freshman), one linebacker (freshman) and one tight end (freshman)

The Griffons recruited the Midwest region very well. Missouri Western signed 20 players from Missouri, two from Illinois, two from Kansas (1 freshman & 1 junior college transfer), one from Oklahoma, one from Iowa, one from Ohio (transfer) and one from California (transfer).

2014 Missouri Western football signees

Max Oeser
6-4, 285, Offensive Line
(Springfield, Missouri/Glendale HS)
“He is a physical player with a great frame” commented Partridge. “He is an very good heavy weight wrestler.”
Two year letter winner…two time All-District, All-Conference and All-Area…team captain…Springfield Quarterback Club Outstanding senior award…solid student being a member of the National Honor Society and an Academic All-Conference selection…majoring in history education/law…son of Julie and Ken Oeser.

Evan Moore
6-2, 300, Offensive Lineman
(Joplin, Missouri/Joplin HS)
“Is a very strong physical football player with a good frame,” commented Partridge.
Three time letter winner…1st Team All-District…1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-Area Coaches Association…1st Team All-Academic Ozark Conference..majoring in criminal justice…son of Anna and Stephen Moore.

Tyler Base
6-3, 280, Offensive Lineman
(Oologah, Oklahoma/Oologah HS)
“Base is very good in space and was well coached in high school,” commented Partridge.
Four year letter winner…Tulsa World All-State…Coaches All-State…4A All-Star…The Oklahoman All-State selection as well as All-Conference and All-District..majoring in engineering…son of Tonya and Jason Base.

Tanner Hale
6-5, 300, Offensive Line
(St. Charles, Missouri/Francis Howell HS)
“Hale is a very good player,” stated Partridge. “He has the body and physical ability to play early.”
Is a four year letter winner…First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, First Team All-Metro and Second Team All-State…Lineman of the Year…son of Gina and Greg Hale…undecided on a major.

Jabari Wayne
6-3, 290, Defensive Tackle
(St. Louis, Missouri/Gateway Tech HS)
“Wayne is a great athlete with a mans body,” stated Partridge.
His greatest sports moment was his first forced fumble/sack…is a solid student being on the honor roll…majoring in nursing…son of Tiffany Wayne and Rodney Leftwich.

Kyle Dumler
6-4, 290, Defensive Tackle
(Bonner Springs, Missouri./Bonner Springs HS)
“Dumler has a lot of size and strength,” stated Partridge. “Is very hard to move off the line of scrimmage.”
He was a four year letter winner…co-team captain and teams defensive player of the year as a senior…SHUKC 1st Team Defensive Line as a senior and 2nd Team Offensive Line as a junior…had 54 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks…majoring in computer science…son of Pam and Gerald (Duane) Dumler.

Dennis McKinney
6-4, 250, Defensive End
(Kansas City, Missouri/Staley HS)
“He has very long arms and should be an impact player at this level,” commented Partridge.

Wyatt Lehner
6-3, 240, Defensive End
(Garden Plains, Kansas/Garden Plains HS)
“Lehner played tailback in high school,” said Partridge. “He has very good size and strength.”
Four year letter winner…All-State defensive lineman and running back…had 85 tackles with 8 forced fumbles…a solid student being named to the honor roll…undecided on a major…son of Martha and Scott Lehner.

Tyrell Robison
6-1, 230, Linebacker
(Carbondale, Illinois/Carbondale Community HS)
“Robison has raw athleticism and loves to play the game,” Partridge stated.
Was a South Seven All-Conference selection…won his teams Spirit Award and was a team captain…is also a solid student being named to the honor roll…majoring in physical therapy…son of Susan Robison and Attrell Logan.

Derek Gray
5-10, 190, Running Back
(St. Joseph, Missouri/Central HS)
“Gray is a great competitor who plays hard and runs north and south” commented Partridge.
Three year letter winner….as a senior he was 1st Team All-Conference at running back and honorable mention All-Conference as a kick returner…he was also an All-Northwest District selection and Elite 81 2nd Team and 1st Team All-NewsPress…as a junior her was All-City running back and Coaches All-State returner…he was also 2nd team All-Conference running back, All-NewsPress and MFCA All-District…majoring in sports management…son of Aisha and Derek (Sr.) Gray.

Jawon Johnson
5-9, 175, Defensive Back/Athlete
(Springfield, Missouri/Hillcrest HS)
“Jawon is a tremendous athlete and explosive jumper” stated Partridge.
Four year letter winner…teams MVP and team captain…three time All-Conference selection…teams offensive and defensive back of the year…All-State selection…majoring in athletic training…son of Kizzy and Moses Johnson.

Da’Quan Ervin
6-1, 185, Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
(Branson, Missouri/Branson HS)
“Ervin is a very smooth athlete who plays fast,” stated Partridge. “He should play early in his career and had Division IAA looks.”
Three year letter winner…two time All-Tri Lakes Area…two time 1st Team All-District and All-Conference defensive back…two time 1st Team All-Conference returner and two time All-State returner…as a senior he was named to the All-Ozark team and was named the 2012-13 Branson High School Male Athlete of the year…majoring in physical education…son of mother Carla Ervin…guardians are Sylvia Arechiga and Ray Arechiga.

Brandin Dandridge
5-10, 180, Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
(Blue Springs, Missouri/Blue Springs South HS)
“Brandin is a very physical player with good hands and length” commented Partridge.

Tae’mon Franklin
5-9, 165, Wide Receiver
(O’Fallon, Illinois/O’Fallon Township HS)
“Is a very dynamic player with the ball and has potential to be a return man at Missouri Western,” stated Partridge.
1st Team All-Conference and All-Metro…had 9 touchdowns to go along with 711 receiving yards on 43 catches…undecided on a major…son of Andrea McGee.

Anthony Holmes
6-6, 215, Wide Receiver
(Des Moines, Iowa/Valley HS)
“Holmes is a very raw player with tremendous potential,” said Partridge.
Two year letter winner…two time 1st Team All-Conference and voted most improved…undecided on a major…son of Nora Band and Alvin Holmes.

Josh Caldwell
5-11, 205, Running Back
(Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit North HS)
“Josh is a very good multi-faceted athlete who tested very well on his visit” said Partridge.
Was a three year letter winner…in 2013 he was his teams Offensive Player of the Year, 2nd Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-District…broke the school record for most yards in a game with 310 and career yards with 2,885…as a junior he was honorable mention All-Conference and as a sophomore he was 2nd Team All-Conference…his career he averaged 6.45 yards per carry and 96.2 yards per game…he also scored 20 touchdowns…he is the son of Wendy Morrow and the bother of Jordan who also signed with the Griffons…he is majoring in criminal science.

Kylan Alexander
6-2, 230, Tight End
(Independence, Missouri/Van Horn HS)
“Has good hands and has potential to play either side of the ball” said Partridge.
Lettered three seasons…was 1st Team Crossroads Conference selection as a tight end and honorable mention Crossroad Conference defensive tackle…was a three year captain…had 35 catches for 500 yards and five touchdowns…majoring in exercise science…son of Amanda Kreader and Scott Alexander.

Jordan Ragsdale
6-4, 255, Defensive Tackle
(Kansas City, Missouri/Ruskin HS)
“Ragsdale is a very active football player,” commented Partridge. “He plays very hard and has a high ceiling.”

Gary Starr
6-5, 285, Offensive Lineman
(Kansas City, Missouri/Center HS)
“He is a springy athlete with great potential” commented Partridge.
Is a 3-time 1st Team All-Conference selection…helped his team win back-to-back West Central Conference Championships…Son of Cynthia Clemons and Gary Starr, Sr…majoring in athletic training.

Elisha Peat
6-1, 175, Wide Receiver
(Columbia, Missouri/Rockbridge HS)
“Peat is a very smooth player with really good hands and size” stated Partridge.
His greatest sports moment was when his team won the semi-finals and being able to play in the championship game…majoring in sports management…son of Nicole and Arnulfo Peat.

Jordan Caldwell
5-8, 160, Defensive Back
(Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit North HS)
Lettered two seasons…was his teams Special Teams Player of the Week and Defensive Back MVP at NUC Combine…had 48 career tackles and two interceptions…brother of Josh who also signed to play running back…majoring in graphic design…son of Wendy Morrow.

Naim Muhammad
6-0, 180, Defensive Back
(Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit North HS)
Lettered in football two years…had 75 total career tackles, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble and one pass deflected…plans on majoring in physical therapy…son of Sherry Carr and Rudy Muhammad.

Justin Lovelace
6-3, 225, Defensive End
(Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit North HS)
Lettered three years in football…was an All-District and 2nd Team All-Big 6 Conference selection as a senior…as a junior he was an Honorable Mention All-Big 6 selection…has school record for tackles for a loss in a career, single season and single game…is undecided on a major…son of Carmen and Clifton Lovelace.

Brandon Falk
6-3, 260, Defensive Tackle
(St. Louis, Missouri/Parkway South HS)
He was a 2nd Team All-Conference selection…majring in criminal justice…son of Stacey Sanders.

Transfers
Brandynn Clark
5-10, 175, Wide Receiver
(Macedonia, Ohio/ Iowa Central CC/Nordonia HS)
“Clark is a very quick player with great hands,” stated Partrdige.
While at Iowa Central he had over 800 yards receiving to go along with 12 touchdowns…he was a two year letter winner in high school where he was an All-Conference selection…greatest sports moment was catching the game winning touchdown in the Graphic Edge Bowl…majoring health and exercise science…son of Sharon and Donnell Clark.

Andres Perez
6-2, 300, Offensive Line
(Chula Vista, California/Southwestern College/Bonita Vista HS)
“Perez is extremely athletic and strong,” stated Partridge. “A very smart and physical player.”
While at Southwestern he was named his teams 2013 Offensive Lineman of the Year…also helped his team win a conference championship in 2012 and won a Bowl Game in 2012 and 2013…majoring in criminal justice…son of Maria and Juan Perez.

Mike Houghtaling
6-4, 305, Offensive Line
(Holton, Kansas/Coffeyville CC/Royal Valley HS)
“Is a very versatile player who can play multiple positions,” commented Partridge. “He has very good size and strength.”
While in high school he was an All-State, All-County, All-Area and All-Big 7 League performer…plans on majoring in nursing…is the son of Jacque Jacobsen and Gail Houghtaling.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western women’s soccer coach Chad Edwards has announced his third signing class as Missouri Western’s head coach. Edwards has signed nine players to the National Letter of Intent for the 2014 season. The Griffons add Ashlyn Powers (Excelsior Springs HS), from Excelsior Springs, Mo., Brittany Mueller (Liberty HS), from Liberty, Mo., Courtney Kempf (Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS), from Wichita, Kan., Jordyn Galvin (Park Hill HS), from Kansas City, Mo., Layne Shepherd (Olathe East HS), from Overland Park, Kan., Lexi Bolamperti, (Millard West HS), Omaha, Neb., Lexie Martin (Lee’s Summit West HS), from Lee’s Summit, Mo., Paige Phipps (Millard West HS), from Omaha, Neb. and Sydney Cluck (Spring Hill HS), from Spring Hill, Kan. to next season’s squad.

Ashlyn Powers, a 5-5 defender from Excelsior Springs, Mo., played her high school soccer for Excelsior Springs High School. Powers had a solid high school career earning All-District, All-Conference and Kansas City All-Regional Team. She was also the Most Valuable Player of her team as well as being a team captain. While playing center midfield as a senior she had 14 assists and 22 goals while starting all 18 games. Powers is also a very good student being named to MRVC All-Academic team and National Honor Society. She does have ties to Missouri Western as her older sister AJ is currently on the soccer team. She is the daughter of Mike and TJ Powers and plans on majoring in physical therapy.

Brittany Mueller, a 5-3 midfielder from Liberty, Mo., played her high school soccer for Liberty High School. She had a solid high school career earning 2nd Team All-Conference and helping her team to a Class 3 District Championship as a senior. As a junior she was an honorable mention All-Conference selection as well as being 2nd Team All-District. She also played on a state championship team when she was a freshman. She was a four year letter winner and is a solid student being a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Shelley and Michael Mueller and plans on majoring in biology.

Courtney Kempf, a 5-4 defensive/midfielder from Wichita, Kan., played her high school soccer at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School. She has had a solid career being named 2nd Team All-City and All-Region as a junior. She was also named a team captain as a junior. She was 1st Team All-City, All-Region and All-State as a sophomore. Her greatest sports moment was winning state with her club team. She is the sister of current Griffon Katie Kempf and is the daughter of Jacquie and Tim Kempf. She plans on majoring in graphic design.

Jordyn Galvin, a 5-6 forward from Kansas City, Mo., played her high school soccer for Park Hill High School. She had a very solid career being named a captain as a senior while earning 1st Team All-Conference her sophomore and junior seasons. She was also named honorable mention All-Conference as a freshman. She scored over 30 goals and has over 30 assists in her career. She is the daughter of Virginia and Greg Galvin and plans on majoring in criminal justice.

Layne Shepherd, a 5-9 midfielder/defender from Overland Park, Kan., played her high school soccer at Olathe East High School. She played her club soccer for the Kansas City Rush Wolves. She helped the Rush Wolves win the Kansas State Cup in 2012 and to a runner up finish in 2013. She is the daughter of Lynda and David Shepherd and plans on majoring in criminal justice.

Lexi Bolamperti, a 5-2 outside midfielder from Omaha, Neb. played her high school soccer at Millard West High School. She was a three year letter winner while helping her team to a state championship as a junior. She is the daughter of Angela and Anthony Bolamperti and is undecided on a major.

Lexie Martin, a 5-8 goalie from Lee’s Summit, Mo. played her high school soccer at Lee’s Summit West High School. She was her team’s MVP in 2013 and plays for the Kansas City Select Club Team. She helped her club team win the Winter Magic Tournament and the Midwest Kickoff Classic in 2013. She is also a solid student being a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Dale Martin and plans on majoring in nursing.

Paige Phipps, a 5-3 defender from Omaha, Neb. played her high school soccer at Millard West High School. She is a three year letter winner while helping her team to a state championship as a junior. She was named Class A First Team All-State as well as being named All-Nebraska second team and All-Metro first team. She is also a solid student being an Academic All-State selection. She is the daughter of Pamela and Stephen Phipps and plans on majoring in chemistry.

Sydney Cluck, a 5-5 center midfielder from Spring Hill, Kan. played her high school soccer at Spring Hill High School. She is a two time 1st Team All-State and All-Region selection as well as being named her team’s MVP her sophomore season. Cluck is a very good student being a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Camille Schalka and Ron Cluck and is undecided on a major.

“It is a great day to be a Griff,” stated Coach Edwards. “First off, I want to thank everyone associated with Griffon soccer for all of their efforts to sign such a fantastic class of players. Our goal every year is to recruit not only talented soccer players but quality people that have trained, competed, been coached and won at the highest level. As we continue to the build the program, the main focus of this class was to continue to develop depth at all positions with players that can compete for playing time immediately. This class certainly has met these goals. We are super excited for the players to arrive on campus in August and expect many tremendous accomplishments from them not only on the field but in the classroom and community as well. We expect to sign 1 to 2 more players in the near future.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western men’s basketball team shot just 37.7-percent (23-61) from the field falling 66-64 against the Lindenwood Lions. The Griffons got out rebounded 40-28 in the game falling to 9-11 overall and 4-8 in MIAA play.

A late 9-2 run by the Lions put them up 32-25 after one half of play. The Griffons played well for the first 16 minutes of the game leading by as many as six at 17-11 after a Dzenan Mrkaljevic jumper with 8:11 to play in the frame. The Lions dominated the rest of the frame shooting 50-percent (10-20) from the field with Darris Smith and Michael Boos leading the charge with eight points apiece.

The Griffons shot 40.7-percent (11-27) with Ryan Devers leading the charge with nine points making all of his shot attempts. The Griffons got outrebounded 15-11 in the frame and the Lions had five blocked shots. Cortrez Colbert led the Griffons with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

The Griffon faught from behind the whole game and could never get over the hump. They cut the score to under five numerous times but everytime the Lions had an answer.

Missouri Western opened the half on a 7-4 run cutting the deficit to four at 36-32 after a Charlie Marquardt three point play. The Lions responded pushing its lead back to nine at the 11:48 mark after two free throws by Smith. Just minutes later the Griffons two Adarius Fulton three pointers got the Griffons to within three but again the Lions pushed its lead to 11 after a Smith Jumper with 6:05 to play.

The Griffons remained calm and with 25 second to play trailed by just three at 64-61 after a Dareon Jones long range jumper. Missouri Western stole the ball the next Lion possession but a three by Fulton to tie the game came up shot. Fulton hit his third three of the game as time expired giving Lindenwood the two point win. The Lions improve to 9-13 overall and 4-8 in MIAA play.

Devers led the Griffons with 17 points and nine rebounds while Marquardt and Jones finished with 15 and 10 respectively. Colbert dished out six assists and had five rebounds.

The Lions shot 42.2-percent (19-45) from the field but made 79.3-percent (23-29) free throws. Smith finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds while Garrett Reeg had 15 points and nine boards.

The Griffons return to action on Wednesday, February 5 with a road contest against Northwest Missouri State University. Game time is set for 7:30 pm in Bearcat Arena.

— Northwest Sports Information —

The Missouri Western women’s basketball team played a solid first half and held off a strong Lindenwood comeback in the second to pick up the win 65-62 Saturday afternoon at MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons jumped out to a 38-20 lead after the first half behind Quenisha Lockett’s 11-point half. Along with Lockett, Tiffanie Abrams scored nine points to help the Griffons take control. Abrams scored the first six points of the game, and both players went 5-for-5 from the free-throw line in the first half. The second half saw the Griffons, who were 10 of 14 from the charity stripe as a team in the opening half, struggle with freebies.

Lindenwood stormed out of the break and went on a 20-6 run in the first nine minutes of the second frame. Abrams’ layup around the 11-minute mark ended a Lions’ 14-0 run that put them back in the ballgame.

Both teams swapped baskets in the second portion of the final half, and the game eventually settled even at 51 after Kassidy Gengenbacher laid the ball in and received a free throw for the old-fashioned three-point play.

Tiara Hall and Lanicia Lawrence added two points apiece to give the Griffons another four-point lead, but after another Gengenbacher layup, the Lions were back within two.

Free throws from Jallisa Lewis, JaQuitta Dever and Abrams held off the Lions’ comeback, and Lindenwood guard Dru Haetling’s 3-pointer came with just one second left on the clock as the Griffons completed the win 65-62.

The Griffons (9-10, 4-8 MIAA) are now just one game back of the Lions (10-9, 5-7) in the standings. The win gives the Griffons their second-straight win as they head to Maryville, Mo. Wednesday night to play Northwest Missouri State.

Abrams played solid all night with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. The senior also went 8-for-9 on free throws. The Griffons were just 5 of 20 from the 3-pointer line, but were helped by Lindenwood’s 22 turnovers, which included 17 in the first half, which resulted in 20 points off turnovers and 24 overall. Missouri Western’s bench added 42 of its 65 points on the night.

— MWSU Sports Information —

MIAA coaches voted Missouri Western softball No. 2 in the 2014 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Preseason Coaches’s Poll which was released Friday morning. The Griffons finished third last season with a 38-16 overall record and 20-8 MIAA record.

The Griffons received 156 points and one of the 14 first place votes, as they were behind defending National Champions Central Oklahoma who received 169 points and 13 first place votes. The Bronchos finished last season with a 51-11 overall record and 23-3 record in MIAA play.

In third place was Fort Hays State who received 138 points while Emporia State and Northeastern State sit in 4th and 5th with 130 and 115 points respectively. The Pittsburg State Gorillas come in 6th with 111 points with Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri close behind in 7th and 8th with 95 and 93 points respectively.

Sitting in the 9th spot are the Lions from Missouri Southern with 73 points. Lindenwood and Washburn are 10th and 11th with 63 and 51 points while Nebraska-Kearney, Lincoln and Southwest Baptist round out the final three spots in the poll. The Lopers sit in 12th with 40 points while Lincoln sits in 13th with 25 points and Southwest Baptist in 14th with 15 points.

The Griffons open up the 2014 season on Friday, February 7 in Durant, Okla. The Griffons will play six games in three days, participating in the Southeastern Oklahoma State South Central Shootout.

The Griffons will take on Harding University and Arkansas Tech University on Friday, February 7 at 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. They will take on host Southeastern Oklahoma State on 10:00 am and Henderson State at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 8 and will wrap up the shootout on Sunday, February 9 with games against Drury University and Cameron University at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.

2014 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Oklahoma (13)      169
2. Missouri Western  (1)       156
3. Fort Hays State                    138
4. Emporia State                      130
5. Northeastern State             115
6. Pittsburg State                     111
7. Central Missouri                  95
8. Northwest Missouri            93
9. Missouri Southern              73
10. Lindenwood                      63
11. Washburn                         51
12. Nebraska-Kearney         40
13. Lincoln                              25
14. Southwest Baptist          15

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western baseball opening series scheduled for this weekend in Searcy, Ark. against Harding University has been canceled due to the very poor weather forecast.

The series will not be made up.

The Griffons will hope to open their 2014 schedule next weekend in Russellville, Ark. against the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys.

The two teams will play doubleheaders on Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9. First pitch for both days is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —