ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Hillcat Women's Soccer (5-7-3, 3-6-1 MIAA) earned a crucial point against MoWest (7-3-6, 4-3-3 MIAA), tying 0-0 on Friday at Spratt Stadium. The win keeps Rogers State in the running for a spot in the MIAA Tournament.
RSU was outshot 15-5 but kept the Griffons scoreless behind seven saves from senior goalkeeper Calais Bulls. This marked the third decision against the defending MIAA Tournament Champions, as they made it back-to-back ties in the series history to go along with a 2-1 overtime victory over Griffs in 2019 in St. Joseph.
The Hillcats kept the Griffons off the board in the first half, with Butts making saves in the 32nd and 37th minutes as the home side generated pressure. Earlier, the Hillcats created the first looks of the match, as
Gabi Bedigrew missed high in the opening minute and
Khari Carreno put a shot on frame in the fifth minute. The Griffons answered with a corner kick and several shots through the middle of the half, but RSU held firm defensively.
Te Waiariki Read took the Cats' final attempt at the 45:00 mark, and the half ended with neither team scoring.
The Hillcats kept the second half scoreless as Butts made five saves, including two in the final four minutes. Earlier, the Griffons put RSU under pressure with three shots in the first 16 minutes of the half, but Butts saved Sydney Puetz's attempt in the 57th minute and another Griffons shot was blocked. The Hillcats created their best chances after the break when
Lydia Smith forced a save in the 70th minute and
Zoe Wehrman put another shot on frame in the 79th. The Griffons pushed again late, but Butts stopped Alexandra Milano at 86:01 and Sarah Wilson after an 87th-minute corner, and the match finished 0-0.
Butts played all 90 minutes in goal, recorded seven saves and finished with a shutout.
Kelsey Hogan, Smith,
Katie Fisher, and
Anna Hibbard also contributed to the shutout with full 90-minute performances.
RSU return to action on Sunday in Maryville, Missouri, against the Northwest Bearcats at 1 p.m.
