ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The No. 5 seed Northwest Missouri State University women's soccer team was overtaken by No. 4 seed Missouri Western in penalty kicks after the squads battled to a 1-1 tie in the quarterfinals of the 2025 MIAA Tournament at Spratt Stadium.
 
With the match ending in a 1-1 draw, Northwest finishes its season at 10-6-2 overall, and Missouri Western advances with an overall record 10-2-7. The Griffons have a 21-game unbeaten streak at home.
 
Northwest began the first half with a strong opening, highlighted by a header goal from Margaret Madden in the 11th minute. Madden's goal marks her fifth this season and seventh career goal for the Cats'. Makenna West set the stage with a shot just moments before, applying pressure on Missouri Western's defense. Lily Ellis played a crucial role in maintaining the lead, making key saves, including one against Kendall Knisley in the 17th minute.
 
Throughout the remainder of the half, the Bearcats' defense held firm, repelling multiple attempts by the Griffons to equalize. As the half closed, Northwest led 1-0, effectively managing the game to maintain their advantage.
 
The second half began with Missouri Western applying early pressure, but Northwest's defense remained vigilant. Ellis was instrumental in goal, making key saves against shots from Ava Smith, Kiara Carr and Knisley to maintain the scoreline.
 
Northwest's defense held firm until the 83rd minute when Aidyn Woodall scored for MoWest, leveling the match at 1-1. The goal came from an assist by Knisley, marking a pivotal moment in the game. As the half closed, Northwest maintained defensive focus, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
 
The overtime period commenced with both Northwest and Missouri Western vying for control. Ellis was pivotal in maintaining a clean sheet, making crucial saves against shots by Kaari Little in the 92nd minute and Smith shortly after.
 
Despite steady pressure from MWSU, including multiple corner kicks and shots, the period concluded without a breakthrough for either side. The game remained level at 1-1 as the first overtime period concluded.  
 
The second overtime period commenced with a strong defensive setup by Northwest, featuring key players like Ellis and Arnau. MoWest applied pressure early, with Rosemary Pujado missing a shot wide right at 102nd minute.
 
The Bearcats remained resilient, as goalkeeper Ellis made crucial saves against attempts by Carr and Knisley in the 108th and 109th minutes, respectively. Despite the sustained defensive effort, the period concluded without a score change, maintaining the deadlock at 1-1.
 
In the shootout period, Northwest's Emma Cook and Arnau each successfully converted their attempts, giving their team an early advantage. Bellehumeur and Moira Franck were unable to find the back of the net in their subsequent attempts.
 
MoWest responded with successful conversions by Pujado, Woodall, and Knisley, leveling the pressure. Julia Coacher kept the visiting team in contention with her successful attempt, but Sydney Hammett sealed the win for Missouri Western with her final shot. The shootout concluded with Missouri Western ahead on penalty kicks, 4-3.
 
Ellis recorded 11 saves, maintaining a strong defensive presence throughout the match. Lily Ellis's 11 saves bring her to 104 saves this season. She now has had 374 saves in her Northwest career, holding the 2nd-best in school history for career saves.
 
Missouri Western will take on No 8 seed Northeastern State at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in Wichita, Kan. at the Stryker Sports Complex.