JOPLIN, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State women's soccer team secured a 3-1 victory over Missouri Southern at Hal Bodon Field, with the Cats' notching two goals in the first half to establish a commanding lead.
Northwest improved its record 10-3-0 and 7-1-0 in the MIAA while Missouri Southern drops their record to 2-9-3 and 0-6-2 in the conference. This victory marks only the sixth 10-win season in Northwest program history and the fourth time the team has achieved seven MIAA victories in a single season.
The first half began with Northwest Missouri State establishing an early rhythm.
Makenna West opened the scoring in the 12th minute with an assist from
Abby Overbay. With her two goals in today's game, West has now reached seven goals this season, tying her for the ninth-best single-season total in school history. Missouri Southern State quickly responded with a goal by Nathalia Luiz to level the score just under a minute later.
Northwest regained the lead in the 17th minute with West's second goal of the half.
Lily Ellis made key saves, keeping the team ahead. Ellis's five saves in the match bring her to 73 saves this season, and she now ranks as the second-best in school history for career saves, with a total of 343. The half concluded with Northwest Missouri State leading 2-1, maintaining momentum heading into the next half.
The second half began with both teams attempting to gain momentum, and the Bearcats maintained a strong offensive presence. Ellis made a crucial save in the 57th minute, denying Missouri Southern's Presley Whitmire. As the half progressed, Northwest Missouri's
Berkleigh Salmond capitalized in the 86th minute, finding the net to extend the lead to 3-1. This marked Salmond's first career goal at Northwest.
Despite continued pressure from the Lions, including several shots off target, the Bearcats held their advantage. The half closed with Northwest Missouri State's defense maintaining their composure, securing a 3-1 victory at the final whistle.
Up Next:
Northwest Missouri State will travel to Pittsburg, Kan., to face Pittsburg State on Sunday at 1 p.m.
