ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State University women's soccer team nearly pulled off a late comeback in its MIAA season opener, but fell 3-2 to the Missouri Western State University Griffons at Spratt Stadium.

Midfielder Darrian Gordon netted her first career goals (2) in the late minutes of action. 
 
In both teams' MIAA opening contest, Missouri Western (6-0-1 overall, 1-0-0 MIAA) capitalized on key first-half offensive opportunities, firing off 15 shots (five on target). The Griffons opened the scoring with a goal from Kendall Knisley in the 25th minute. Northwest managed to hold off the attack until the 41st minute, when Camrin Peaslee extended Missouri Western's lead to 2-0 at halftime. The Bearcats were outshot 15-to-1 in the first half, with Lily Ellis making three saves. 
 
Six minutes into the second half, Corinne Stewart scored to give the Griffons a 3-0 lead. Northwest's Gordon responded in the 78th minute with her first career goal, trimming the deficit to 3-1. Gordon struck again with seven minutes left, assisted by Margaret Madden, to bring the Bearcats within one.
 
In the final minute, Chloe Collins had two chances to equalize, but one shot sailed high, and the Griffon goalkeeper made a decisive save to preserve the win.
 
Northwest (2-2-3 overall, 0-1-0 MIAA) struggled to find its momentum early, recording 10 total shots (seven on target) compared to Missouri Western's 23 shots (nine on target).
 
Ellis provided six saves in the setback, yet cracked the top five for career saves in Bearcat history, passing Kira Lazenby (2008-09). Ellis now stands at No. 5 with 201 career saves. 
 
Career Saves
1. 394 - Kelsey Adams, 2010-13
2. 339 - Kathie Leach, 1999-01
3. 306 - Alison Sheridan, 2003-06
4. 204 - Ashley Malloy, 2014-17
5. 201 – Lily Ellis, 2022-pres. 
6. 196 - Kira Lazenby, 2008-09
7. 174 - Alexis Serna Castillo, 2018-21
8. 156 - Michelle Goold, 2002, 04-05
9. 108 - Danielle Lawless, 2001-03
10. 77 - Ashley Williams, 2020-21
 
Northwest will be back in action this weekend, hosting Northeastern State on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. for Senior Day. The Bearcats will recognize 10 seniors before the start of the match.