The 23rd ranked Missouri Western softball team took both games on the second day of the Henderson State Tournament. Keri Lorbert hit a three run homerun in the first game of the day giving Western a 5-2 victory over Delta State. In game two Western got a stellar pitching performance from Emily Moe coming away with the 2-1 victory. Western sits at 3-1 on the year.

Game One: MWSU 5, Delta State 2

Jackie Bishop pitched a solid game against Delta State giving up just one early run while striking out 11 in the complete game victory. Bishop sits at 2-0 on the season.

The Lady Statesman got on the board first in the second inning when Taylor Hughes scored on a throwing error by Griffon shortstop Sarah Elliot. Western responded in the bottom of the third when Elliot and Kat Steponovich got on base allowing Lorbert to blast her first homer of the season giving Western the 3-1 lead.

Western scored again in the 5th and once more in the sixth taking a 5-1 lead into the final inning. The Statesman got a solo homerun from pinch hitter Marisa Sanders but Bishop struckout the final two batters earning the victory.

Elliot scored two runs for Western while Lorbert smacked two of the Griffons six hits. The Statesman had two hits with one coming from Sanders and one from Raina Stiffler.

Ashleigh Allgood pitched five inning giving up six hits and four earned runs for Delta State. She falls to 1-1 overall while the Statesman fell to 2-1 with the loss.

Game 2: MWSU 2, Rockhurst 1
Western got a strong outing from Emily Moe in her first game in the circle as a Griffon. She threw a complete game giving Western their third victory of the tournament and season.

Western will play the final two games of the tournament on Sunday, February 12. The Griffons play Arkansas-Monticello at 11:00 am and Henderson State University at 1:00 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The 23rd ranked Missouri Western softball team opened up the 2012 season with a dramitic 2-1 extra inning victory over host school Henderson State before falling 6-0 against Ouachita Baptist on the opening day of the Henderson State Tournament. Western has won their opening game four out of the last five years which includes the last two.

Game One – Missouri Western 2, Henderson State 1 (8 innings)
The opening game of the 2012 season was a thriller with Jackie Bishop pitching an outstanding game going all eight innings. She pitched seven innings of shutout softball before the Reddies got on the board in the bottom of the eighth using the international tie breaker rule where the inning starts with a runner on second.

The Griffons scored two in the top of the eighth using the international tie breaker. Michelle Stevenson started the inning on second. Kim Robinson beat out a bunt putting runners on first and third with Kendall Sorenson coming to the plate. Sorenson laid down a successful suicide squeeze scoring Stevenson giving Western the 1-0. The Griffons pushed one more across the plate before the inning was over giving them the cushion needed to come away with the victory.

Game Two – Ouachita Baptist 6, Missouri Western 0
Western’s junior college transfer pitcher, Annelee Rubio struggled in the circle in her first start as a Griffon. Rubio gave up eight hits in the contest with three coming in the first. Ouachita Baptist scored three of their six runs in the opening frame. The Tigers scored one in the third and two in the fifth taking the victory.

The Griffons had just three hits in the contest and did not get their first hit until the fourth inning when Kat Steponovich double to right field. The Griffons other two hits came in the sixth off the bats of Blair Stalder and Keri Lorbert. Western left eight runners on base in the contest, two in the first, fourth, sixth and seventh innings.

Rubio pitched all six innings giving up four earned runs while striking out six and walking three. She also gave up five doubles in the contest.

Jocelyn Jones went 3-for-4 for Ouachita Baptist with two doubles. Abbie Frakes picked up the victory for the Tigers improving to 1-1. The Tigers sit at 2-2 overall after falling to Delta State 4-3 earlier in the day.

The Griffons will take on Delta State and Rockhurst University tomorrow. Game times are set for 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm respectively.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western women’s road struggles continued Monday night in Russellville, Ark., falling 81-75 against the 13th ranked Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech. Jessica Koch continued her solid play dumping in 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting as the Griffons fall to 6-15 overall.

The first half was a close battle as neither team led by more than six points. There were five lead changes and seven ties in the frame as the Griffons hung in with the high powered Golden Suns. The Griffons went into the locker room down 36-33.

Western came out of the locker room determined scoring eight of the first 11 points taking a two point lead at 41-39 after two Abby Stone free throws. Western continued to play well going up by four after an Alicia Bell three with 13:59 to play.

The next minute and ten seconds belonged to Arkansas Tech as three consecutive three’s, two by Katie Horsman and a Lindsey Root free throw gave the Golden Suns a six point lead with 12:49 to play. ATU stretched their lead to eight after Horsman nailed another three with just under 12 minutes to play.

Western answered the bell cutting the lead to two just four minutes later after a Koch free throw. The Golden Suns opened up a seven point lead with just under three minutes to play but once again Western used a 6-0 run cutting the Golden Sun’s lead to 76-75 with 2:09 to play.

The Griffons did not score the rest of the game as the Golden Suns took the six point victory. Arkansas Tech improves to 15-3 with the victory shooting 47.5-percent (28-59) from the floor and sinking 17-of-22 free throws. Natalia Santos finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds while Horsman dumped in 23 points making 6-of-8 long range shots. Jessica Watherford also finished with a double double scoring 10 points and snaring 10 rebounds.

Western made 30-of-73 field goals and 8-of-24 long range shots. Western struggled from the line making 7-of-13 free throws and got outrebounded 43 to 38. Bell and Ashley Curry finished with 14 and 11 points respectively. Koch and Bell recorded nine rebounds apiece.

Western returns to action on Saturday, February 11 when they take on the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats in Maryville, Mo. Game time is set for 1:30 pm in Bearcat Arena.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Faced with a big deficit, the Missouri Western men did what they’ve done all season.

They fought back.

But despite a valiant comeback effort, the Griffons fell short in Joplin Saturday, falling to Missouri Southern 85-69.

Southern shot an amazing 60% from the field, including an unreal 77% in the first half to take a 50-32 lead to halftime.

But the Griffons regrouped and chipped away, using a 25-8 run, and cut the lead to 58-55 at the 11:09 mark of the 2nd half.

The Griffons could get no closer as Southern pulled away in the end

James Harris led four Griffons in double figures with a career high 28 points (8-18 fg).  Lavonte Douglas had 14 points and 12 rebounds, while TJ Johnson and Justin Reid added 10.

“I can’t say enough about our guys’ effort tonight,” said Coach Mike Nicholson. “they never quit and I thanked them in the lockerroom for that.”

“They deserve to be rewarded with wins.”

Nicholson, Western’s long-time assistant, made his head-coaching debut Saturday on a “one night only” basis.   Long-time head coach Tom Smith was absent to attend his induction ceremony into the Valparaiso University Athletics Hall of Fame

Western falls to 7-14 overall, and 2-14 in the MIAA, while Southern improves 18-5 and 10-5 in the conference.

Western beat Southern December 7th in St. Joseph when the Lions were ranked #1 in the nation.

The Griffons continue their road trip Thursday, when they make the 45 minute drive north to Maryville to take on Northwest Missouri State.

— MWSU Sports Information —

A scorching start turned into an ice-cold finish Saturday in Joplin, as the Missouri Western women were on the wrong end of a season sweep by Missouri Southern.

It was the Griffons fifth straight loss to the  Lions.

Jessica Koch scored 15 of her game-high 25 points in the first half,  while Ashleigh Curry scored 12 of her 16 points in the first half.

Alicia Bell added 14 for the Griffons.

Western opened the game on fire, shooting 67% from the floor in the first eight minutes and building a 10 point lead three tmes in the first half.

The Lions would answer with a 17-4 run of their own to get back in the ball game.  The two teams traded baskets, with Western taking a 42-40 lead to halftime.

The Griffons, who shot 50% from the floor in the first half, shot just 30% in the 2nd half, allowing Southern to pull away.

Southern had three players in double figures, led by Larrita Gibson’s 20.

The Griffons fall to 6-14 overall, and 4-11 in MIAA play.  They remain winless on the road in conference play this season.  Southern improves to 7-14 and 3-12 in the conference, with two of their MIAA wins coming against Western this season.

The Griffons travel south again Monday night to Russellville, Arkansas  for a non-conference game against #13 Arkansas Tech.  Tip-time scheduled for 7:30 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The 2012 Missouri Western Football schedule is set as Head Coach Jerry Partridge announced the addition of Central State of Ohio Friday.

The Maurauders, a member of the NCAA Division II’s Great Lakes Valley Conference located in Wilberforce, Ohio will visit Spratt Stadium on Saturday, September 8th with kickoff set for 6 PM.  The meeting will be the first between the two schools.

Central State finished the 2011 campaign with a 1-10 record.  Some familiar names round out the coaching staff and administration at CSU as Head Coach E.J. Junior and Offensive Coordinator Ben Coates both played in the National Football League and the Athletics Director is former Missouri Tiger great and NFL and College Football Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow.

Tickets for the 2012 season will go on sale mid-summer.  For all the latest information on Griffon Football log on to gogriffons.com.

2012 GRIFFON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

8/30 or 9/1  vs. Central Missouri  6:00 PM
9/8   vs. Central State (OH)  6:00 PM
9/15  vs. Nebraska-Kearney  2:00 PM
9/22  at Fort Hays State  7:00 PM
9/29  vs. Central Oklahoma  6:00 PM
10/6  at Northeastern State (OK)  TBA
10/13 vs. Missouri Southern  1:30 PM
10/20 at Pittsburg State  TBA
10/27 at Emporia State  TBA
11/3  vs. Washburn  1:30 PM
11/10 at Northwest Missouri State  TBA

— MWSU Sports Information —

MIAA coaches have planted expectations on Missouri Western’s baseball and softball teams for. Griffon softball was picked to win its second straight conference crown, and Western’s baseball team was picked third in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Polls.

After winning its first-ever MIAA Championship in 2011, the softball team received 98 total points and eight of 11 first place votes from the conference coaches. The Griffons will begin the season ranked 23rd in the preseason NFCA poll. Last year Western finished 40-15, making its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last seven years. Head coach Jen Bagley was named MIAA Co-Coach of the Year.

Griffon baseball received 74 points, one more than fourth place Fort Hays. Western finished 26-25 in 2011, making it to the MIAA Tournament once again. The Griffons won the program’s first ever conference tournament game last season and look to improve on last season’s success with an experienced and talented roster.

The softball team will open up on Friday, February 10 when they take on Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist. Game times are set for 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm respectively in Arkadelphia, Ark. The baseball team will open up on Saturday, February 18 with a double header against North Alabama in Florence, Ala. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

2012 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Western (8) – 98 pts.
2. Emporia State (3) – 93 pts.
3. Missouri Southern – 73 pts.
4. Central Missouri – 67 pts.
5. Northwest Missouri – 66 pts.
6. Fort Hays State – 65 pts.
7. Truman – 39 pts.
T8. Pittsburg State – 33 pts.
T8. Washburn – 33 pts.
10. Lincoln – 28 pts.
11. Southwest Baptist – 10 pts.

2012 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 99 pts.
2. Emporia State (2) – 92 pts.
3. Missouri Western – 74 pts.
4. Fort Hays State – 73 pts.
5. Missouri Southern – 63 pts.
6. Washburn – 56 pts.
7. Northwest Missouri – 49 pts.
8. Pittsburg State – 37 pts.
9. Truman – 31 pts.
10. Lincoln – 19 pts.
11. Southwest Baptist – 12 pts.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western State University head football coach Jerry Partridge has announced the signing of 14 football student-athletes to the 2012 National Letter of Intent.

Western had another successful season in 2011 finishing 9-3 overall and 7-2 in MIAA play. Western won its last seven regular season games making their third trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Griffons have won a school record nine games in six of the last nine years. They have also played in a post season game in seven straight years (3 playoff appearances, 4 Mineral Water Bowl games).

Western signed five linebackers, three offensive lineman, three defensive lineman, two defensive backs, two tight ends and one wide receiver. Linebacker Blake Burson and wide receiver Blake Deal both of Savannah are the two local kids that signed with the Griffons.

Western recruited the midwest region very well. Western signed eight players from Missouri, three from Iowa, two from Nebraska, two from Kansas and one from Nevada.

2012 Missouri Western football signees

Darrian Bass
6-4, 210, Defensive End / Linebacker
(St. Louis, Missouri / Christian Brothers College)
“Bass is a player who can play stand up linebacker or defensive end” commented Partridge. “He is not as big as his brother (David) but is an outstanding athlete who does a lot of good things on the field.”
Runs a 4.6 second 40-yard dash and has a 33 inch vertical…41 tackles with one sack…one fumble recovery and two interceptions his senior season…majoring in biology at Western.
Bass Highlights

Jorge Belcher
6-2, 210, Linebacker
(Kansas City, Missouri / Archbishop O’Hara High School)
“Belcher is a very physical and athletic player,” commented Partridge. “Highly recruited player that we are happy to get.”
1st Team All-State…1st Team All-District…1st Team All-Conference…Defensive Player of the Year…O’Hara’s All-Time leading tackler with 429 career tackles (15.5 per game)…O’Hara’s single season record holder for tackles with 199 in 2011…plans on majoring in business at Western.
Belcher Highlights

Aaron Bubb
6-4, 285, Offensive Line
(Lincoln, Nebraska  / Lincoln Southeast High School)
“He is a very physical football player who plays hard and has great leadership skills,” stated Partridge. “Will play offensive tackle for Western.”
Honorable Mention All-State…All-City…helped his team win the state championship last season…majoring in exercise science at Western.
Bubb Highlights

Blake Burson
6-1, 205, Linebacker
(Savannah, Missouri / Savannah High School)
“Burson is an all around good football player,” stated Partridge. “He is a very smart player and a good leader. Was a three year starter on a solid football team.”
Four year letter winner…All-Conference…All-District…First Team All-State…two year captain…undecided on a major at Western.
Burson Highlights

Joey Capul
6-1, 210, Linebacker
(Garden Plains, Kansas / Garden Plains High School)
“Capul is very athletic and explosive player,” commented Partridge. “He is very fast and was an All-State linebacker and running back.”
1st Team All-State Running Back and Linebacker…Wichita Eagle All-Metro Team…Wichita Eagle Top 22…Topeka Capital-Journal Top 22…Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…1st Team All-League Linebacker…1st Team All-League Running Back… played in Blue-Gray North/South All Star Game in Tampa, Florida..had and interception for a 62 yd touchdown return…had 193 carries for 1,753 yard  with 22 touchdowns last season…had 106 total tackles with 44 unassisted tackles with 19 tackles for a loss and four sacks his senior season…in his career he finished with 320 carries for 2,679 yards and 41 touchdowns…had 233 career tackles with 94 unassisted tackles, 36 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks…undecided on a major at Western.
Capul Highlights

Blake Deal
6-1, 180, Wide Receiver
(Savannah, Mo. / Savannah High School)
“Deal never gives up on a ball which has allowed him to make a lot of good catches in his career.,” stated Partridge.
Two time All-District wide receiver and defensive back…Two time All-Conference wide receiver and defensive back..2nd Team All-State…helped his team to two Midland Empire Championships and two District Titles…2011 State Semi Finalist..had 46 catches for 985 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior and 35 catches for 685 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior…undecided on a major at Western.
Deal Highlights

Sean Holloran
6-3, 275, Offensive Line
(St. Louis, Missouri / Christian Brothers College)
(St. Louis, Missouri / Christian Brothers College)
“He is a very athletic kid with long arms,” stated Partridge. “He will play center for us in the future. He is also schooled in Traditional Korean Martial Arts.”
First Team All-State…helped his team to the 6A state final game last season…majoring in biology at Western.
Holloran Highlights

Brock Kimball
6-2, 185, Defensive Back
(Washington, Iowa / Washington High School)
“Brock is probably the most physical defensive back in this class,” commented Partridge. “He is very long and has good speed. He is a very good student as well.”
1st Team All-District…All-Golden Triangle Team…Iowa Shrine Bowl participant…honorable mention All-District as a junior and defensive Rookie of the Year as a sophomore…member of the National Honor Society…plans on majoring in business managment at Western.
Kimball Highlights

Donovan Mathis
5-11, 185, Linebacker / Defensive Back
(Springfield, Missouri / Hillcrest High School)
“Donovan is a very good open field tackler,” commented Partridge. “Is a very aggressive ball seeker. He was a six man quarterback in Texas before moving to Springfield.”
1st Team All-District…1st Team All-Conference…biggest sports moment was defeating Glendale his senior season…his cousin Michael Brisco played at Texas Tech…plans on majoring in law at Western.
Mathis Highlights

Hunter Pack
6-0, 195, Defensive Back
(Springfield, Missouri / Kickapoo High School)
“Pack is a very physical and athletic corner,” said Partridge. “We are excited about what he is going to become.”
Had 57 solo tackles his senior season…1st Team All-Region defensive back by Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association…made the game winning catch against camdenton…his dad played football at Baker University…undecided on a major at Western.

Kurt Petroll
6-3, 285, Defensive Tackle
(Liberty, Missouri / Liberty High School)
“A very dominate interior player in high school,” Partridge stated. “He has a strong lower body and is extremely quick and athletic for his size. Ran a 4.4 pro agility and had a 28 inch vertical.”
Second Team All-State…Honorable Mention All-State…two time 1st Team All-Conferene…2nd Team All-Conference…three time academic award winner…two time team captain…65 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 6 pass break-ups and one blocked kick his senior season…plans on majoring in health and exercise science at Western.
Petroll Highlights

Colton Thompson
6-1, 230, Linebacker
(Council Bluffs, Iowa /Abraham Lincoln High School)
“Very physical player who is well built for just coming out of high school,” said Partridge. “He was also a very good fullback  in high school.”
Runs a 4.7 40-yard dash with a vertical of 32.5 inches…1st Team All-Conference…1st Team All-City…2nd Team All-Conference…majoring in criminal justice at Western.
Thompson Highlights

Blake Vandenburg
6-6, 220, Tight End
(Mt. Pleasant, Iowa / Mt. Pleasant High School)
“Blake has big hands and catches the ball well,” stated Partridge. “We are excited about the potential he has to develop into a solid MIAA player.”
All-District…3rd Team All-State..All-Hawkeye…team captain…37 catches for 460 yards and 4 TD’s for his senior season…undecided on a major at Western.

Mackenzie Wischmann
6-6, 235, Defensive End
(Papillion, Nebraska / Papillion-La Vista High School)
“Wischmann is a very long and high motor player,” commented Partridge. “He works extremely hard and is a solid student who plans on majoring in zoology.”
Honorable Mention All-State…All-Conference…All-District…All-Metro…team captain…had 12.5 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, 48 solo tackles and 40 assisted tackles his senior season…majoring in biology/zoology at Western.
Wischmann Highlights

Transfers
Nick Williams
6-3, 240, Tight End / Linebacker
(Lenexa, Kansas / Olathe Northwest HS / University of Nebraska-Omaha)
“A big kid who is a good athlete,” commented Partridge. “Played defensive end/linebacker for UNO. We will start him at tight end.”
In High School: Recorded 86 tackles as a senior and 200 for his career, both school records, while earning all-state honors…also caught 38 passes for 513 yards as a tight end, also school records at Olathe Northwest High School under coach Todd Dain…was defensive player of the year in the conference…also lettered in track and basketball.
2010 at UNO: Played in 11 games with 19 tackles, 7 being solo…had three tackles for a loss and one sack.

Kevin Hart
6-4, 315, Offensive Lineman
(Fernley, Nevada / Fernley HS / Feather River Community College)
“A big physical player who will compete for a guard spot next fall,” commented Partridge.
Feather River CC: 2011 1st Team Mid-Empire All-Conference…2011 CCCAA 1t Team All-Region.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western women’s soccer coach Chad Edwards has announced his first signing class as Western’s head coach.  Edwards has signed five players to the National Letter of Intent for the 2012 season. The Griffons welcome Micheala Rouse of Kearney, Mo., Margot Bergeron of St. Joseph, Mo., Drew Mantlo of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Sydney Andrews of Wichita, Kan. and Brittany Wagner of Lee’s Summit, Mo. to next season’s squad.

Micheala Rouse, a, 5-7 defender from Kearney, Mo. played her high school soccer at Kearney high school. During her junior season she earned 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team Class 3 All-District and Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. As a sophomore she was 1st Team All-Conference, 2nd Team All-District and her squads Most Valuable Defender. She played her club soccer with the Furtura Force. She is undecided on a major at Western.

Margot Bergeron, a, 5-6 defender from St. Joseph, Mo. played her high school soccer Central high school. She will transfer in from Iowa Central Community College where she was a starting defender who earned 1st Team All-Region as a freshman. In high school she earned 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-City honors. She plans on majoring in exercise science at Western.

Drew Mantlo, a, 5-4 midfielder from Lee’s Summit, Mo. played her high school soccer at Lee’s Summit North high school. Mantlo is a team captain of her high school squad. She has played for the Futura Force club team for six seasons. They are ranked 3rd in Missouri. She is a team captain and leads the squad in with 15 goals from her defensive position. She is also a very good student being a member of the National Honor Society. She plans on majoring in wildlife biology at Western.

Sydney Andrews, a, 5-6 midfielder/defender from Wichita, Kan. played her high school soccer at Wichita Northwest. Andrews was an offensive Honorable Mention All-City selection as well as a Titan Classic Champion. She is a solid student being a member of the National Honor Society as well as being on the honor roll. She plans on majoring in physical therapy at Western.

Brittany Wagner, a, 5-4 forward from Lee’s Summit, Mo. played her high school soccer at Lee’s Summit high school. Wagner was a 2nd Team All-Conference performer as well as a captain of her team. She is a good student being a member of the honor roll all four years. She plans on majoring in pre-vet at Western.

“I am very excited to announce our initial 2012 signees for the Griffon Soccer program,” commented Edwards. “Our goal every year is to recruit not only talented soccer players but quality people that have competed and been coached at the highest level. Also, I want players who desire, will, and can compete for a starting position as soon as they arrive on campus. I believe we have met these goals with this class and I am very excited for all of them to arrive on campus and get to work. It is a great day to be a Griffon and I am thrilled with this class and know we can expect a lot of tremendous accomplishments from them not only on the field but in the classroom and community as well.”

Edwards expects to sign 2 to 3 more players in the near future.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western softball team is ranked 23rd in the 2012 NFCA Division II Top 25 preseason poll as released today by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Wednesday morning.

The Griffons finished with a 40-15 overall record in 2011 making their fifth trip to the NCAA National Tournament in the last seven years.

The Griffons open up the 2012 season participating in the OBU/HSU Tournament on February 10-12. The Griffons open up the weekend on Friday, February 10 against Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm respectively in Arkadelphia, Ark.

— MWSU Sports Information —