Westminster (UT) wasted no time making a statement in its 2026 season opener, rallying from an early four-goal deficit to defeat Missouri Western 10-8 on Friday, in Grand Junction, CO. The Griffins improved to 1-0 on the season.

Game Breakdown

First Quarter

The opening period was anything but easy for Westminster. Missouri Western came out firing, with Maddie Chidester finding the back of the net just 1:19 into the game, followed quickly by a free-position goal from Ryann Durrett to make it 2-0. The Griffins responded with a man-down goal from Holly Shoughro, assisted by Ava Deakins, to trim the deficit to one — but Missouri Western answered with back-to-back man-up goals from Durrett and Madi Brinkman to stretch the lead to 4-1. Westminster refused to fold, getting goals from Kiarra Clarin and a free-position strike from Grace Szwedko to close out the quarter trailing 4-3. Missouri Western outshot Westminster 10-4 in the first, but the Griffins showed early resilience.

Second Quarter

Missouri Western extended its lead to 5-3 early in the second on a Brinkman goal, but Westminster went on a tear. Olivia Petrosky scored unassisted to make it 5-4, and after Missouri Western pushed back to 6-4 on a Clare Sondrall free-position goal, the Griffins answered with back-to-back tallies — a free-position goal from Jordan Williamson and Petrosky's second of the game, assisted by Anabelle Kugler — to tie the game at 6-6 heading into halftime. Westminster outshot Missouri Western 12-2 in the second quarter and dominated ground balls 9-4.

Third Quarter

Westminster took its first lead of the game early in the third when Ava Deakins scored unassisted at 12:46 to put the Griffins up 7-6. Missouri Western responded with a man-up goal from Brinkman to knot it at 7-7, but Westminster pulled away with goals from Jadyn Kohan (assisted by Deakins) and Holly Shoughro to go up 9-7. Brinkman kept Missouri Western alive with her seventh goal of the season to make it 9-8, but Westminster held the lead heading into the final period. Both teams traded 8 and 7 shots respectively in the third.

Fourth Quarter

Westminster sealed the victory early in the fourth. Holly Shoughro completed her hat trick at the 12:07 mark, scoring unassisted to give the Griffins an insurmountable 10-8 lead. Missouri Western threatened but could not find the net the rest of the way, with Westminster's defense and goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parish — who made 2 saves in 30 minutes of action — holding firm to close out the win.

Griffin Performances

Holly Shoughro led Westminster with 3 goals on 7 shots, including the decisive fourth-quarter insurance goal to complete her hat trick. Olivia Petrosky added 2 goals and 4 shots, while Ava Deakins contributed 1 goal and 3 assists, driving much of Westminster's offensive production. Jadyn Kohan, Grace Szwedko, Jordan Williamson, and Kiarra Clarin each added a goal. Anabelle Kugler chipped in 1 assist.

In goal, three Griffins shared time. Sienna Garcia played the first quarter (15:00), Kaelyn Hart handled the second quarter (15:00), and Kaitlyn Parish earned the win playing the final 30 minutes, making 4 saves and allowing just 2 goals. Westminster outshot Missouri Western 30-23 overall and 21-14 in shots on goal while winning ground balls 30-27.

Up Next

Westminster will look to build on its season-opening victory as the Griffins continue their 2026 campaign.