Box Score
LACEY, Wash. – The Montana State Billings women's soccer team fell behind early and was unable to overcome an early two goal deficit at Saint Martin's University Thursday afternoon, falling 2-1 in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference battle.
With the loss the Yellowjackets fall to 9-4-1 on the season and 6-4-0 in conference play. With the win, Saint Martin's improves to 5-9-0 on the year and 4-6-0 in the conference.
“It's hard to go on the road and give up two early goals and then try to overcome the deficit,” said head coach Don Trentham. “We have to find a way to regroup now and be prepared to play a good side this Saturday at Western Oregon.”
The Saints jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute as Jenny Baker took a pass from Kayci Donatelli and found the back of the net to put the Saints ahead.
SMU got the game-winner in the 35th minute Jill Webb dribbled in and fired a shot from 20 yards out into the upper right corner of the goal to give SMU a 2-0 lead, which they carried into the half.
The Yellowjackets continued to work hard in the second half and managed to put a dent in the scoreboard when Jaucelyn Richter (Billings, MT) fed the ball into Jennifer Larsen (Mesa, AZ) who made a nice pass to the boot of Carly Valentine (Vancouver, WA). The senior then chipped the ball into the back of the net from a yard out for her third goal of the season.
For the game the Yellowjackets outshot the Saint 14-9 in total shots and 8-6 in shots on goal. The Jackets also held a 9-3 edge in corner kicks and committed just two fouls to the Saints' 12.
Sabrina Grandke-Bawab (Kirkland, WA) made three saves on six shots faced. The freshman keeper fell to 7-2-1 on the season. SMU keeper, Gina Cardenas, got the win, making five saves.
The Jackets look for a rebound this Saturday, taking on Western Oregon in Monmouth at 12 p.m. local time. Saturday's game marks the final road test for the Yellowjackets this season as the team returns home the next two weeks for the final three home games on the schedule.
