Thanks to Drew Newhart's impressive aerial displays, Western's passing offense has garnered most of the attention during the team's flawless start.

But the Griffons' punishing ground game has played an equally crucial role during the first month of the season. Bruising backs Thomas Hodges and Michael Hill have slammed opponents all season long and did the same during Saturday's dramatic win against Washburn.

Hodges recorded his first 100-yard rushing performance of the season, grinding out 158 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. Just as vital, Hill played an effective complement and picked up 71 yards of his own on 20 attempts.

Between them, Hodges and Hill combined for 13 first-down carries to keep the chains moving and allow the Griffons to snap a three-game losing streak against the Ichabods.

"To be honest, I think it was the reason we won the game," coach Jerry Partridge said. "It let us control the clock and gave us the advantage in the time of possession."

Indeed, Western dominated the statistics and held onto the ball for more than 39 minutes - as opposed to just 20 minutes, 57 seconds for Washburn.

While the two display similar power-running styles, Hodges has taken advantage of his role in the time share and racked up 378 yard and five touchdowns, while Hill has 242 yards and a pair of scores. Their contributions have Western's ground game moving along at an average of 173 yards per game.

Something will have to give this Saturday, however, when Western travels to No. 23 Pittsburg State - losers of two straight games. The Gorillas are allowing just 81 rushing yards per game and have limited three of their four opponents to less than 100 yards rushing this year.

Bright spot in

volleyball cloud

A third-set victory against No. 3 Emporia State gave Western's first-year volleyball coach Cory Frederick further hope that the program is turning the corner after two forgettable seasons.

Western lost 3-1 to the Hornets on Friday, but not before dominating the third set in 25-13 fashion in a match in which Alexandra Behnke recorded eight kills.

"When we beat (the Hornets) in that third set they were still playing their starters," Frederick said. "I think we are where we need to be, with what we started with. We are 7-8, and it is already an improvement from last season."

Western lost both of its matches last weekend, having dropped a 3-2 decision to Fort Hays State in its home opener.

The Griffons are still in search of someone to take over the leadership role, Frederick admits - adding that while his team is playing physically tough, it doesn't always display the needed mental toughness.

That was the case on Saturday, as the Griffons fought hard before losing their first set against No. 6 Washburn before getting steamrolled in the next two sets.

Western, now 0-3 in the MIAA, will take on Pittsburg State on Wednesday in Pittsburg, Kan., before hosting Southwest Baptist on Friday.

High praise for Widrig

Western soccer coach Jeff Hansen had high praise for freshman forward Abby Widrig, who recorded a career-high two goals in Saturday's 3-0 MIAA victory over Washburn.

"Abby may be the fastest girl in the league," Hansen said. "She is as fast as they come."

Widrig has tallied four goals on the season, second on the team only to Jessica Martin's five goals.

Western (3-5, 1-3 MIAA) will need the speed and scoring of Martin and Widrig with it hosts Northwest Missouri State on Thursday. Despite the losing record, Hansen admitted he is enjoying the improvement he's seen since he took over the program in 2006.

"This is the most talented and athletic team I have ever had," Hansen said.

Balance marks women's golf

Better balance has translated into better team scores for the Missouri Western women's golf team in the early going of the season.

The Griffons finished seventh in the Drury Fall Shootout, which took place Sept. 14-15, with just five strokes separating top four Western golfers during the two rounds of play.

Kristen Cooley shot a two round total of 162 (83-79), earning her a tie for 21st place, while Casi Webb and Natalie Bird both shot 164 and Lexi Webb finished at 167. Western finished in a tie for seventh place as a team with a two round total of 657 (336-321).

The Griffons finished eighth in the Wildwood Lodge Invite in Lake Elmo, Minn., which concluded Monday. Webb's 167 led Western's effort, with just six strokes separating the top four Griffons.

Men's golf tourney suspended

Severe thunderstorms rolling through eastern Oklahoma on Monday forced a suspension in play of the 11th annual Northeastern State Men's Golf Classic.

A decision was made to resume first-round action at 8 a.m. today, with the second round to begin at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start.

Only a handful of teams completed the first round before weather interrupted play Monday.

The Griffons are coming off a fifth-place finish in the Bulldog Classic in Kirksville, Mo., on Sept. 14-14 with a two-round total of 599 (295-304). Caleb Carter led the way for the Griffons, shooting a two-round total of 146 (72-74). That earned him a tie for 13th place.

Sports reporters Andy Meyer and Rick Dunaway contributed to this report. Andy Meyer can be reached at andymeyer@npgco.com. Rick Dunaway can be reached at rickd@npgco.com