Billings, Mont. – Montana State Billings women's soccer team starts their 2013 home defense with three contests. The Yellowjackets host the University of Mary on Monday, Sept. 16 at 2:00 p.m., then host Simon Fraser University (Sept. 19) and Western Washington University (Sept. 21) in two double-headers.
 
MSU Billings has an early season test with three games this upcoming week, including a match with a nationally ranked opponent. The Yellowjackets faced adversity early this year as a lightning storm suspended play in the Dixie State match resulting in a 0-0 draw. Kaylee Kimmet performed great in her first collegiate start, recording seven saves. Kimmet and the Jackets will be tested with this week's trio. Each opponent will present various challenges, especially Mary and WWU who have very strong attacks.
 
In order to have a successful week the Yellowjackets will need strong performances from Heidi Greenback and Chelsea Shuman; both received All-GNAC honors in 2012. Despite only having one regular season contest, MSUB will need to find their chemistry early.
 
The Marauders have faced some tough competition thus far and have yet to record their first win of the season. While winless on the regular season, Mary does have a 3-0 exhibition shutout victory over Rocky Mountain College. As a team the Marauders have a .091 shot percentage, a .318 shot on goal percentage and have allowed opponents to record a .543 shot on goal percentage.
 
Alex Bachman-Williams and Zara O'Hagan have scored one goal each on the year, and Dayna Domingo and Megan Searson have each registered one assist. Shelby Buttron has started two games between the pipes and notched 26 saves and one shutout.
 
MSUB and Mary will begin play promptly at 2:00 p.m. on Sept. 16.
 
Simon Fraser has started the 2013 season with two straight losses, and has not been able to best the Yellowjackets in the last four outings. The Clan currently has a .125 shot percentage, .250 shot on goal percentage, and has allowed opponents to score eight goals and register a .511 shot on goal percentage.
 
MSU Billings will have to keep track of Sophie D'Souza and Devon Kollmyer. D'Souza scored the team's lone goal off a Kollmyer assist. Olivia Aquiar and Amanda Gilliard are also key members for the Clan. Aquiar started 15 of 16 contests she appeared in last season and Gilliard earned All-GNAC honorable mention honors in 2012.
 
The Jackets and Clan women's match will be the first contest in the Sept. 19 double-header, starting at 1:30 p.m.
 
The reigning GNAC regular season and post-season tournament champs are as good as advertised and tout a No. 7 national ranking, and No. 1 West Region ranking in the Sept. 10 NSCAA/Continental Tire polls. Including three exhibition matches, Western Washington is on a six game winning streak in 2013. The Vikings average 2.00 goals per game, a .509 shot on goal percentage and 18.3 shots per game. WWU's backline has been responsible for three shutouts and seven saves.
 
Kristin Maris has two goals, and Catherine Miles and Jessica Burtucci have one goal each on the year. In 2012 Maris earned honorable mention Daktronics All-American honors, and first team NSCAA and Daktronics West Region all-star honors. Miles received GNAC Freshman of the Year with nine goals and seven assists last year.
 
MSU Billings and Western Washington women's game will be the second match in the Sept. 21 double-header, starting at approximately 4:00 p.m.
 
All Yellowjacket home games come equipped with Live Stats and a Live Video Webstream.
 
 *Yellowjacket home contests are held at Yellowjacket Field located on the City College campus (located at the intersection of Shiloh and Central)*