EMPORIA, Kan. — Northwest Missouri State and Emporia State played to a scoreless draw on Sunday at ESU Pitch, marking Northwest's first tie of the season. 
 
Northwest has now brought its record to 10-5-1 overall and 7-3-1 in the MIAA, as Emporia State is now 8-5-4 overall and 6-1-2 in conference action. Northwest continues to hold firm at No. 4 in the MIAA standings with one more match to play. 

The first half commenced with both teams testing each other's defenses early. The Bearcats showed early offensive intent as Julia Coacher registered a shot in the fourth minute, although it went wide. Despite multiple attempts on goal from both sides, neither team managed to find the back of the net.
 
Lily Ellis played a crucial role for the Bearcats, making several saves, including key stops against Ella Favot and Hailey Gancarz. Her performance secured her 36th career shutout and ninth of the season, making this season's tally the second-best in school history for shutouts. Ellis continues to hold the record for most career shutouts at Northwest. Despite the defensive efforts and opportunities created by players like Maddie Gemeinhardt and Lillie Shaw, the half-closed with the score tied at 0-0.
 
The second half began with the Bearcats creating an early opportunity, as Shaw's shot was saved by the Hornets' goalkeeper, Mackenzi Goen, just 45 seconds into the half. Northwest continued to press with a series of corner kicks, with Margaret Madden taking a shot just wide in the 59th minute. Abby Overbay and Chloe Collins each tested the Emporia State defense later in the half, but both attempts were also saved by Goen.
 
Meanwhile, ESU countered with a series of shots, including a notable save by Ellis in the 62nd minute. Elllis had five critical saves during the match to preserve the shutout, bringing her total to 85 saves this season and 355 saves in her Northwest career, the second-best career record in school history. Despite the pressure from both sides, neither team managed to find the back of the net. The match concluded with a scoreless draw, as the half closed with a 0-0 scoreboard.
 
Up Next: 
Northwest's final regular season game will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. in Maryville, Mo., as they host Missouri Western.